From John Jay to George Washington, 6 October 1789
To George Washington
New York 6 October 1789
Sir
When distinguished Discernment & Patriotism unite in selecting men for Stations of Trust and Dignity, they derive Honor not only from their offices, but from the Hand which confers them.
With a mind and a Heart impressed with these Reflections and their correspondent Sensations, I assure you that the Sentiments expressed in your Letter of Yesterday,1 and implied by the commission it enclosed, will never cease to excite my best Endeavours to fulfill the Duties imposed by the latter, and as far as may be in my power, to realize the Expectations which your Nominations, especially to important Places, must naturally create— With the most perfect Respect Esteem & Attachment I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient and humble Servant
John Jay
The President of the United States—
ALS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; DftS, NNC (EJ: 08435). , 3: 378–79; , 1, Pt. 1: 11–12; , 4: 137–38n1.
1. See GW to JJ, 5 Oct. 1789, above.