From John Jay to James De Lancey, 2 January 1778
To James De Lancey
[Poghkeepsie 2 Jan. 1778]
Sir
Notwithstanding the opposition of our Sentiments & Conduct relative to the present Contest, the Friendship which subsisted between us is not forgotten, nor will the good Offices ^formerly^ done me by yourself & Family cease to excite my Gratitude.
How far your Situation may be comfortable & easy I know not. it is my Wish & shall be my Endeavour that it be as much so as may be consistant with the Interest of that great Cause to which I have devoted every Thing I hold dear in this World. I have taken the Liberty of requesting Mr. Saml. Broome immediately to advance you 100 Dollars on my Account.
Your not having heard from me sooner was unavoidable. A Line by the first Opportunity will oblige me. Be explicit and avail yourself without Hesitation of the Friendship which was entertained as well as professed for you by your obt & h’ble servt
J. J.
Coll. Jams DLancey at Hartford1
DftS, NNC (EJ: 8584).
1. Loyalist James De Lancey (1747–1804) of Westchester, former county sheriffand commander of a Loyalist troop of light horse often referred to as “Delancey’s Cowboys,” had been captured in 1777 by one of General Israel Putnam’s scouting parties, then jailed at Hartford. , 1: 869–90. For his reply, see De Lancey to JJ, 14 Jan. 1778, below.