John Jay Papers
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From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 13 January 1779

To Robert R. Livingston

Philadelphia 13th. Jany 1779

Dear Robt

Not a single Line have you recd. from me since my arrival. This you may say does not look very friendly— I confess it: and what is more in my Favor feel it.

Business I know cannot excuse a total Silence, tho it may palliate a partial one. I wont plead it, for I never admitted it—nor do I now write merely to keep fair with my own Principles— Inclination, more than Consistency, prompts me on this occasion.

I presume your Legislature is by this Time convened. now is the Season for exertion. Attend regularly. Confirm those who esteem you and their Country—convert or confound those who would sacrifice either to private Views, and support the Govr. who I believe is a Friend to both.

Will any Consideration induce you to visit another Quarter of the Globe? I dont know that you will be called up, but am not sure that you may not. My Conduct will be greatly influenced by your Inclination.1

I had almost persuaded myself to write a Letter to your Brother Ned, urging him to come to this College, and offering my Service to prepare the Way for his Reception: but as on Reflection I apprehended it might stimulate him to a measure in which perhaps his Mama or Brother might not concur I decline it for the present.2 I cannot forbear however observing to you, that in my opinion his Genius and his Years call for a further Degree of Cultivation than can be obtained at Hurley. I wish to be useful to every Lad of Talents & Cleverness, and I assure You that Desire will always be encreased when those Recommendations are possessed by one, so nearly connected with a Gentleman & a Family, who have particular Claims to my Esteem & Respect— I am Dear Robt Your Frd & Servt

John Jay

P.S. Dont be too lazy or too busy to tell me how you do.

ALS, NHi: Livingston (EJ: 780). Endorsed. Dft, NNC (EJ: 7950).

1For the response, see Livingston to JJ, 3 Feb. 1779, below.

2Edward Livingston (1764–1836), later a prominent lawyer, congressman, senator, and secretary of state, graduated from the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1781.

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