Letterbook copy in cipher and in clear. Addressed to Huntington, but received and acted on by McKean, Huntington's successor as President of Congress. Has received Huntington's letter of July 5, delivered by Franks, "whom the procrastination of the minister still obliged me to detain." Accepts appointment as peace commissioner reluctantly. Outlines reasons for objections to commission: "Yet thus th is instruction besides breathing a degree of complacsancy [sic] not quite republican puts it out of the power of your ministers to improve those chances and opportunities which in the course of human affairs happen more or less frequently unto all men. Nor is it clear that America -- thus casting herself into the arms of the king of France will advance either her interest or reputation with that or other nations." Little can be expected from Spain, whose treasury is very low. Someone will be appointed soon to confer with Jay on the treaties.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829