53751From John Adams to John Jay, 18 July 1788 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured with your Letter of the 4. of July and thank you for your friendly Congratulations on my Arrival. The Decision of the Convention at Poughkeepsie, is of very great Importance to this Nation, perhaps to Some others.— I am extreamly anxious, that, as the new Constitution has already proceeded to far, it Should be adopted kindly and cordially, by all the three that remain. a little...
53752From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 20 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write to you on the 3d. 10th. and 11th. instant with a postscript of the 12th. all of which went by Mrs. Barclay. Since that date we receive an account of a third victory obtained by the Russians over the Turks on the Black sea, in which the Prince of Nassau with his gallies destroyed 2 frigates, 3 smaller vessels, and 6. gallies. The Turkish power on that sea is represented...
53753To John Jay from Francisco Cabarrús, 25 February 1782 (Jay Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre cy joint trois Comptes relatifs aux payements Faits pour vous Savoir: L’un arrete de 4 8 bre . D er . & Signé par mon ancienne maison de Cabarrus & aguirre pour Solde duquel il vous revenoit R vn . 46447 dont Je vous Creditar, un second arreté et Signé par moi le 7 9 bre . suivant, Il etoit Soldé par R von . 135715—10 portés a votre Credit, un troisieme signé...
53754From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 14 March–11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The operation mentioned in my letter of Feb. 4. is going on. Montmorin has proposed to Ternant to go as Chargé des affaires. Ternant called on me a few days ago to know whether I thought his appointment would be agreeable to us. Tho he is obliged to give up his regiment, which is a certainty for life, he will do it. Perhaps Otto may be left awhile longer to put Ternant into the train of...
53755To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 26 October 1785 (Jay Papers)
This will be delivered to you by M r . Houdon, the Statuary of Paris who was agreed with by M r Jefferson and my self, at the Request of the Government of Virginia, to come over & take the Bust of General Washington, in order to make his Statue for that State. He has made the Bust, which is much admired by the Connoisseurs here, and will show it to you. He goes to New York, partly with a View...
53756To John Jay from Henry Glen, 20 December 1800 (Jay Papers)
On Thursday last the President sent up to the Senate A nomination for you to be the Chief Justice of the United States in the Room of Judge Ellsworth Resigned, yesterday the Senate took up the nomination And have appointed you the Chief Justice, My dear Sir Great Alteration since the last Election for Legislature in our State. Jefferson & Burr will be our Presidents who would Ever a thought it...
53757To John Jay from Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1789 (Jay Papers)
I think it my duty to inform you that I am this day arrived here after a passage of 26. days from land to land. by the Montgomery, cap t Bunyan, which sailed from Cowes at the same time with us, I had the honor of addressing you and of sending you the Letter book & account book of Silas Deane, which I put into the hands of mr. Trumbul, who I presume is arrived at New York. according to what I...
53758To John Jay from William Jay, 4 July 1816 (Jay Papers)
I mentioned in my letter to Sister Maria, that in consequence of the coolness of the weather we had determined not to leave Town till the ensuing Saturday. On that day we arrived at this place & finding but little company were so fortunate as to get a large & pleasant room. On the following Monday I left Augusta & the Children, & returned to Town to attend a meeting of the Board of Managers of...
53759License to Practice Law in New York, 26 October 1768 (Jay Papers)
By His Excellency, Sir Henry Moore Baronet Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. To all to Whom these Presents shall come, or may concern Greeting. Know Ye, That being well assured of the Ability, and Learning of John Jay Gentleman, I have thought fit to appoint him an...
53760From John Adams to John Jay, 16 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
There is no Maxim more clearly Settled in all Courts, and in all Negotiations between Nations, than that Sovereign Should always Speak to Sovereign and Minister to Minister. I am not at all Surprised therefore, although I am much mortified at having my Memorials to their High Mightinesses and to His most Serene Highness returned to me, with the Letter inclosed from M r Fagel. I Should have had...
53761To John Jay from Robert Morris, 1 April 1777 (Jay Papers)
The enclosed letters came by a French Ship to New Hampshire & were sent under Cover to me by M r Langdon with many others, I believe they are from England, and wish they may convey agreable Tidings. Last Week a Brig t arrived here with 6800 Muskets & 2100 Gun Locks, another in Maryl d With 633 bbls Powder & this ship into Portsmouth brought with her about 12,000 Muskets, 1000 bbls Powder a...
53762To John Jay from Timothy Pickering, 10 October 1795 (Jay Papers)
The inclosed copy of my letter of the 6th instant to William Lewis & William Rawle Esquires will apprize you of the object of this address. Their answer, which is also inclosed, does not, I confess, correspond with my ideas of the meaning of the seventh article of the treaty which you negotiated with Lord Grenville. I always conceived that the principal ground of our complaints of spoliations...
53763To John Jay from Edward Rutledge, 12 November 1786 (Jay Papers)
After a disagreeable Passage & a variety of weather Tincker has at last safely landed Us in Charleston, where I have resumed the Character of a busy Man, & have a clear prospect of passing an active winter between my professional, & political Occupations. But altho’ my Exertions shall be equally great, the individual, & the public will not be equally benefitted. That Spirit of Faction which is...
53764To John Jay from the New York State Assembly, 14 August 1798 (Jay Papers)
Being fully convinced that your Excellency in convening this extraordinary session of the Legislature, has been solely influenced by a just and attentive regard to the public welfare, and that the measure is warranted by the very critical situation of public affairs, it is with the utmost prompitude that we meet your Excellency at this important and alarming crisis. It is to be regretted, that...
53765William Short to John Jay, 21 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to Mr: Jefferson’s directions on his leaving Paris, I have the honor of forwarding to Your Excellency, the medal engraved for Genl. Greene, under the resolution of Congress. There is one of gold and twenty three of bronze, all of which are committed to the care of Mr. Walton of New York, who sails in the French Packet the 25th. of this month. The medal for Genl. Gates ordered by...
53766From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 14 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured on the 22d. Ult. with the receipt of your letter of June 15. and delivered the letter therein inclosed from the President of Congress to the king. I took an opportunity of asking the Count de Vergennes whether the Chevalier Luzerne proposed to return to America? He answered me that he did, and that he was here, for a time only, to arrange his private affairs. Of course this...
53767American Commissioners to John Jay, 28 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Soon after the arrival of Mr. J. in London, we had a conference with the Ambassador of Tripoli, at his House. The amount of all the information we can obtain from him was that a perpetual peace was in all respects the most advisable, because a temporary treaty would leave room for increasing demands upon every renewal of it, and a stipulation for annual payments would be liable to failures of...
53768From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 2 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Wolcott the auditor of the Treasury. The information which he wishes to obtain being essential to the proper settlement of several accounts of considerable moment, as they affect both the character and interest of the United States; I request the favour of you, Sir, if there be any document in the office of...
53769To John Jay from Floridablanca, 3 September 1780 (Jay Papers)
Le Comte de Florida Blanca fait bien ses compliments à M r . D. Jay et lui recommande de lier connoissance avec le Porteur de cette Lettre, etant la Personne en Question qu’il attendoit d’un Jour à l’autre. The Count de Florida Blanca presents his compliments to Mr. Jay, and recommends to him to form an acquaintance with the Bearer of this Letter, being the Person in question whom he had...
53770From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 8 September 1798 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg your pardon for having omitted to attend earlier to the suggestion in your letter of the 30th. of August respecting the defence of our ports. I am sincere in saying that a charge of this kind would on various accounts be unpleasant to me among the rest as likely to involve ill natured & foolish criticism. But I shall not decline the trust if you think proper to repose it provided the...
53771To John Jay from Robert Morris, 20 April 1789 (Jay Papers)
I delivered your letter to Gen l Washington at Chester where I met him, and soon found that very prudential considerations had determined him against the Acceptance of the Invitations of his Friends, He gave much such reasons as indeed My own mind had Suggested before, and I acquiesced, so that He lodged at the City Tavern and I understand that M r Osgoods House is prepared for his Reception...
53772John Adams to John Jay, 9 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to congratulate the United States, upon the Acquisition of a Minister of foreign Affairs, whose long Services have So justly acquired their Confidence and whose Experience as well as his Talents, so fully qualify him for this important Trust. The joint Dispatches of their Ministers here will inform Congress of the Slow Progress of the Negotiations entrusted to their Care. These...
53773To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 26 November 1824 (Jay Papers)
I have received a very Kind letter from Maria & Nancy but fear I shall not have time to answer it by this morning’s mail— Your Marble Mantle Piece has been sent up by the Sloop General Delavan. And a stove which William bought has been sent by the Sloop Montgomery Capt Montross— Some iron Jambs & an iron back have also been sent by the Gen l . Delavan— I am sorry to hear that you have been...
53774From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 2[8] October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honor of addressing you on the 8th. instant, the appearances of war were such, that no one would have been surprised to hear that hostilities were actually commenced at sea. The preparatives were pushed with such a vivacity on the part of England that it was believed she had other objects in view than those she spoke out. However, having protected by her countenance the...
53775George Washington to John Jay, 23 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 23, 1779 . Sends news of capture of Powles Hook by Major Henry Lee. Mentions Lord Stirling’s cooperation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
53776From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [14 March 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
Col Laurens, who will have the honor of delivering you this letter, is on his way to South Carolina, on a project, which I think, in the present situation of affairs there, is a very good one and deserves every kind of support and encouragement. This is to raise two three or four batalions of negroes; with the assistance of the government of that state, by contributions from the owners in...
53777The American Commissioners to John Jay, 2 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives We refer the Committee to ours to You of the 26 ulto. of which we sent Duplicates, should either arrive, but apprehensive of the Contrary we send you the Substance in this. The Brittish Commerce in Europe, especially in the North, is unguarded, the Greenland Whale Fishery and the Hudsons Bay Shipps in particular. Could two or three of our frigates accompanied by...
53778To John Jay from Frederick Jay, 19 October 1776 (Jay Papers)
Papa has directed me to have all the Stock removed from Rye to the Fish Kills— at foot you have a list of those now sent. He intends to sett off this Day or to-morrow with Mama & Nancey & some of the Servants—the rest will sett off in a day or two—He thinks it best for me to stay & remove every thing—I could wish you were here to go with them. Jos. Purdy Sen r . has partly engaged to go—if he...
53779To John Jay from Vergennes, 13 March 1780 (Jay Papers)
M. Jay, ancien president du Congres des Etatsunis de L’Amérique Sept. &c J’ai reçu, M. la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire Le 27. Janvr. dr. J’ai été très sensible a La marque de confiance que vous avez bien voulu me donner en me communiquant l’objet de votre mission; vous connoissez trop bien les liens qui attachent le Roi aux Etats unis, pour n’etre pas certain, que S. Mte...
53780To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 30 June 1781 (Jay Papers)
You acquaint me that Bills have appear’d drawn on you in March last, and ask very properly if this can be reconciled to the obvious Dictates of Prudence & Policy?— It cannot. And if you are unable to pay them, they must be protested: For it will not be in my Power to help you. And I see that nothing will cure the Congress of this Madness of drawing upon the Pump at Aldgate, but such a Proof...
53781From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 16 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Boston; copies: Columbia University Library, Henry E. Huntington Library, Library of Congress, National Archives I have received your several Favours of Jan. 30. Feb. 11. and March 1. and propose to write fully to you per next Post. In the mean time this Line may serve to acquaint you that I have paid duly all your former Bills drawn in favour...
53782From John Adams to John Jay, 21 March 1792 (Adams Papers)
A difference of opinion having arisen among those of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund, who are now in this City, respecting the construction of their authority under the Act making provision for the Reduction of the Public Debt, by which they are equally divided, your presence here towards settling the principle which is in question, in order to the future conduct of the business, has become...
53783From John Adams to John Jay, 4 January 1786 (Adams Papers)
I have only time to acquaint you, that since my last there have been some Appearances of an Intention in Ministry to take up American Affairs Lord Carmarthen and M r Pitt have certainly had Conferences with Committees of Merchants who have represented to them the Necessity of arrangements with the United states, upon Terms which will give Satisfaction. Nevertheless I have no Confidence in this...
53784To John Jay from David Longworth, 16 September 1809 (Jay Papers)
I am directed by D r Ramsay to present you in his name the copy of his S[outh] Carolina herewith sent With respect I am sir Your obd t serv t ALS , NNC ( EJ : 09056 ). For JJ ’s reply, see his letter to Longworth, 28 Oct. 1809 , below. David Longworth (c. 1765–1821), New York publisher most known for
53785To John Jay from Benjamin Vaughan, 18 November 1782 (Jay Papers)
I was not very easy on the noon when you first saw me; but I was still less so at dinner , to find there was no post. There was also no post the next day. Judge then my happiness, at finding M r Potter, with letters that contained a little girl, which they called very beautiful; all but the upper lip, which they said was like mine; & M rs Vaughan, as well as possible. I am not fond of ^...
53786From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 5 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The several commissions, to which Congress were pleased to appoint Colo. Humphreys Secretary of legation, being shortly to expire, and a French packet offering him a convenient passage in the month of April, he proposes to avail himself of that occasion of returning to his own country and of there presenting his respects and thanks to Congress. As a member of the several commissions with which...
53787To John Jay from George Washington, 5 September 1794 (Jay Papers)
This encloses a copy of my last—written, as you will readily perceive, with much haste as one indication of it, I omitted the stamp of privacy, but you would not, I am well persuaded, consider it as official nor in any other light than as the private sentiments very hastily thrown together of Your obedient and Affectionate ALS , DLC ( EJ : 10633 ). LbkC , DLC : Washington. In this letter of 30...
53788To John Jay from John Adams, 11 May 1784 (Jay Papers)
Your favour of the 27. April is, before me.— I wish very Sincerely that my family had made a Visit to me, or I to them on the Conclusion of the Peace. The two Ladies will be affectionate Friends, I dare answer for it, if they should ever meet. There are Things constantly to be done here, but if there were not, it would be impossible for me, to come to Paris at present, without arranging...
53789From John Adams to John Jay, 28 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
It is so long since I wrote You, that I am almost ashamed to recollect. I have been in the most curious Country, among the most incomprehensible People and under the most singular Constitution of Government in the World. I have not been able to write You, what could or would be done here, because I was not able to discover, nor did I ever yet find one Man in the Country, who would pretend to...
In Order to narrow as much as possible the Objects of our Discussions, I have stated in the enclosed paper what occurs to me on the different points to which your notes apply, except the 2 d : 3 d : & 4 th : Articles of those Notes, which I have reservd for further examination and inquiry;— I expect that by tuesday or wednesday at furthest I shall be able to converse further with you on those...
53791To John Jay from Charles Thomson, 29 July 1784 (Jay Papers)
Being informed of your safe arrival at New York I embrace the earliest opportunity of Congratulating you on that event and hope M rs . Jay and your little family are all well. On the 18 of June I wrote to inform you that I had received your letter of 7 April and to thank you for the attention you paid to my letter in favour of M r I. Norris. As the post sets out sooner than I expected I shall...
53792To John Jay from Dirck Ten Broeck, 14 December 1796 (Jay Papers)
I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency that I have procured two rooms in the house of M r . Rooseboom, for your accommodation in this place this winter, and am in hopes the exertions of the family will contribute much to your ease, and comfort, both M r . & M rs . Rooseboom asuring us that nothing shall be wanting on their part to make every ^thing^ agreeable to you. I shall be highly...
53793William Short to John Jay, 23 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was sent to Bordeaux to be forwarded by the French Packet which I had been told would sail about the middle of this month. Not knowing however whether it was certain I preferred sending the consular convention by the way of Havre from whence vessels are frequently sailing for America. It was accompanied by No. 16 and I hope will meet with a safe conveyance to New York.—I forward to you...
53794To John Jay from John Adams, 28 March 1781 (Jay Papers)
It is so long since I wrote You, that I am almost ashamed to recollect. I have been in the most curious Country, among the most incomprehensible People and under the most singular Constitution of Government in the World. I have not been able to write You, what could or would be done here, because I was not able to discover, nor did I ever yet find one Man in the Country, who would pretend to...
Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain Should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant & inconclusive, but [ illegible ] very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans & the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississipi will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction...
53796From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been a little surprised that the several important pieces of intelligence lately received from Europe (such parts of it, I mean, as are circulated without reserve in conversation) have not been given to the public in a manner calculated to attract the attention and impress the minds of the people. As they are now propagated, they run through the country in a variety of forms, are...
53797To John Jay from Foxes & Sons, 3 November 1818 (Jay Papers)
It is with the deepest concern that we beg to trouble thee on the occasion of the death of our highly valued relative Robert Were Fox, who has ever since the time of American Independance held the situation of Consul in this and the neighbouring ports, with the entire approbation of the American Government, of which he has received repeated testimonies. We have now to request that thee wilt be...
53798From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, [3 May 1787] (Hamilton Papers)
I this morning received your letter of yesterday. I have seen with pain the progress of the transactions, which have excited irritations between Mr. Livingston and yourself, and as my dispositions to both, in whatever I have had to do with the matter, have been friendly, I should with reluctance do any thing, that might affect either, further than a regard to truth and propriety should make it...
53799From John Adams to John Jay, 21 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I had my Audience of Leave of His Majesty. I Shall not trouble you with any Particulars, of the previous steps to obtain this Audience (which you know are always troublesome enough); nor with any detail of the Conversation, farther than the Publick is immediately interested in it. The substance of my Address to His Majesty was no more than, a Renewal of assurances in Behalf of the...
53800To John Jay from William Carmichael, 8 June 1782 (Jay Papers)
On the 28 th Ult o . I did myself the honor of addressing Y r . Ex y at Bourdeaux under cover to M r Delap. On the 5 th Ins t . I left Aranjues in a poor State of health, having been attacked by my usual disorder the Bile, from which I still suffer greatly. The Court was already preparing to quit the Sitio before I left it & the French Embassador had returned to Madrid. On these Occasions you...