To John Jay from Lewis Morris, 8 March 1777
From Lewis Morris
Phila March 8th 1777
Dear Sir
A Mr Jackson1 that will hand you this goes to our state in order to fix on Some person or persons to make Sale of the States Lottery Tickets, I have wrote to Govr on the Subject, but least he should not be there, I have Troubled you with this—2 The Congress meets to day3 for the first time since their flight, I wish to God we had more men in jersey, you ^may^ be assured from the best Authority Howe has not more than Seven Thousand Eight hundred Sick and well, shamefull to the Continent that they do not drive him out; however let ^us^ hope for the best—they go on very Sloly with recruiting in this State— The man waits for this I mean Jacksons Servant So must conclude with mine and the family’s best regards to Mrs Jay and believe me Dr Sir Yours Most Sincerely
Lewis Morris
To John Jay Esquire
ALS, NNC (EJ: 6987). Addressed: “John Jay Esqr / In Convention at Esopus / Mr Jackson.” Endorsed erroneously: “Gen. Morris 3d March 1777.”
1. Dr. David Jackson (c. 1730–1801), a Philadelphia physician, was a Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress. On 26 Nov. 1776 Jackson was elected a manager of the Continental lottery established on 1 Nov. “for defraying the expences of the next campaign.” On 30 Nov., Congress resolved that the lottery managers “be authorized to appoint agents for the sale of tickets in the several states,” and on 14 Feb. 1777 Congress ordered the managers to send tickets to the states. , 6: 917, 968, 981–82, 994; 7: 119.
2. Lewis Morris to Gouverneur Morris, not located.
3. Congress was unable to make a quorum at Philadelphia until 12 Mar. 1777. , 7: 169.