John Jay Papers

To John Jay from William Cushing, 18 June 1795

From William Cushing

Scituate June 18th. 1795

Dear Sir,

I heartily congratulate you, on your return to your own country, after the fatigues of the Seas, & your exertions abroad for its prosperity, I hope, without injury to your health. What the treaty is, ^is^ not come to us with authenticity; but whatever it be, in its beginning, middle or end, you must expect to be mauled by the Sons of bluntness and—, one ^of^ the kinds of rewards which good men have for their patriotism. ^Peace & American interest are not the objects with Some.^ I cannot so heartily relish the gubernatorial office, which is presented to you and with so much advantage in the choice. It will doubtless be for the good of N.Y., as well of the public in general, & what is of some consequence, more for your ease & comfort, than rambling in the Carolina woods in June. If you accept, as the Newspapers seem to announce, I must, though reluctantly, acquiesce.

I was in hope to get clear of going to Phil[adelphi]a. this hot Season, but suppose it will not to do, to risque the want of a quorum, unless you give me permission to Stay at home. A Virginia cause was continued to August term, for your presence,1 whether that will be consistent with your situation, I know not. The middle circuit will of course fall to me next; In the Summer or fall I expect the pleasure of calling to pay my respects to you.2

Mrs Cushing joins in sincere regards & Respects to you, Mrs Jay & Mrs Ridley & family— Yours &c. affectionately

Wm. Cushing

ALS, NNC (EJ: 05542). Addressed: “The honorable / John Jay Esqr / Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the / United States / New York”. Endorsed. HPJ description begins Henry P. Johnston, ed., The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay (4 vols.; New York, 1890–93) description ends , 4: 176–77.

1Ware v. Hylton, on which see JJSP description begins Elizabeth M. Nuxoll et al., eds., The Selected Papers of John Jay (6 vols. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 2010–) description ends , 5: 221–22, 512–34; and DHSC description begins Maeva Marcus et al., eds., The Documentary History of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1789–1800 (8 vols.; New York, 1985–2007) description ends , 7: 203–357.

2Associate Justice of the Supreme Court William Cushing did not visit JJ when he passed through Albany en route from Massachusetts to attend the Supreme Court session in Philadelphia, explaining “that not being able to get lodging where I wished, & there but just time to cross the ferry before night, I thought it prudent to get over to pursue my journey early in the morning, the season being hot & disagreable to me, & the time being scant to reach philadelphia in season”. Cushing to JJ, n.d. July 1795, ALS, NNC (EJ: 05571).

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