In regard to Vermont affair, he refers John Jay to the concurrent resolutions [of New York legislature?] which he enclosed in his letter of October 27th. By the New York Act of Submission, the Vermont claims were to be managed in Congress by three delegates. He, James Duane and [John Morin?] Scott were appointed Commissioners to collect evidence. This they did between the fall of 1779 and February 1780, at which time a report was forwarded to Philadelphia. The report was lost, and delay ensued. When again completed, the New York delegates realized that they would lose if the matter was put to a vote- there being too many individuals interested in other states to consider the New York claims strictly on their merits. The State Senate finally decided to press the matter, and despite the opposition of the Governor, succeeded in obtaining a motion to be presented to the Continental Congress- the motions were always rejected. [Presumably for some form of arbitration.] He feels the Continental Congress should obtain waivers of claims from States involved, and then erect a new state from the disputed area. He doesn't know where the affair will end, and wishes Jay were there to obtain a non-violent settlement, with that special brand of "Obstinacy" which he admires so much in Jay.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829