From John Jay to George Washington, 13 June 1790
To George Washington
New York 13 June 1790
Dear Sir
There does not appear to be a single Circumstance in the Case of the murderer in question, to recommend a Pardon— His own Petition contains no averment of Innocence, no Palliative for Guilt, no complaint of Court Jury or witnesss, nor of the want of witnesses—1
The Silence of the british cabinet on the Subject of Mr. Morris’s Letters marks their Indicision—it may arise from Doubts of what might be the opinion of Parliamt. on some of the commercial, and perhaps other Points; and the Expediency of observing the caution and Delay which such Doubts may prescribe.2 With perfect Respect Esteem & attachment I am Dear Sir your most obt. & hble Servant
John Jay
President of the U. S.
ALS, DNA: RG 59. Endorsed: “The Chief Justice of the U.S. / respecting the condemnation / of Bird— & observation on / the conduct of the British / Cabinet on the subject of / Mr. Morris’s Letters— / June 13th 1790—”. Dft, NNC (EJ: 08438).
1. See GW to JJ, 13 June, above; and Thomas Bird to GW, 5 June 1790, , 5: 478. Bird was executed on 25 June 1790, the first person to be so under the new federal government.
2. See GW to JJ, 13 June, above.