Massachusetts to its delegates: The British army took property from inhabitants of Massachusetts not as of an enemy but as from persons under their protection, the greater part of which was to be restored. A British act of 29 Nov. 1774 creates legal obstacles to such recovery. Adams should now ask British government to reconsider the law or make some other just provision. Can the case be supported? Jay thinks Britain may say it is immature or that since these cases were not provided for in the peace treaty there is no complaint. These officers hold the property as an indemnity and the British government in its present mood is not likely to open its treasury to the U.S. We should never ask for justice without the power to force compliance if it should be denied. Jay does not think the representation should be made since he does not think it would be successful.
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829