To John Jay from Alexander Hamilton, 9 July 1790
From Alexander Hamilton
New York Friday 9h. [July] 1790
My Dear Sir
Certain Circumstances of a delicate nature1 have occurred, concerning which the President would wish to consult you. They press. Can you consistently with the Governor’s situation afford us your presence here?2 I cannot say the President directly asks it, lest you should be embarrassed; but he has expressed a strong wish for it— I remain Yr. Affect & Obed
A. Hamilton
ALS, NNC (EJ: 05618). Addressed: “The Honorable Chief Justice Jay, Eliz. Town.” Endorsed.
1. The circumstances alluded to were the possible outbreak of war between Britain and Spain over the Nootka Sound Controversy. In the course of a meeting on 8 July, George Beckwith, who had been sent to New York to ascertain the disposition of the United States on a number of matters, had informed AH about the possible outbreak of war between Britain and Spain and attempted to dispose the United States against Spain’s pretensions. GW solicited JJ’s opinions on the issues the controversy raised in a letter of 27 Aug., below. On the controversy, and on Beckwith’s mission, see , 6: 24–30.