doi:10.7916/txrx-cs50Document, 1777 August 04correspondencetextUnited States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783Jay, John, 1745-1829Acknowledges receipt of 25, 27, and 30 July. Events at Ticonderoga have giventhe American cause a bad turn. Washington hopes that a sense of self-preservation and of the common good will replace the jealousy and alarms of thepeople of New York and states eastward. There is nothing very formidable inBurgoyne, but when such a man may count on people viewing events with fear andsuspicion, there are no lengths to which he may not push his fortune. Should the states make a moderate exertion, Burgoyne could be overcome. Washington's aidto the northern army is not as effectual as he would wish at the present time,but it is the best he can do. "If General Howe can be completely kept atbay. . . the Successes of Mr. Burgoyne. . . must be partial and temporary."Although they are a little tardy, Washington has great confidence in theabilities of the northern states to defend themselves, their sister states, andthe rest of the continent. The presence of Generals Lincoln and Arnold in theNorthern Department should have a good effect. Washington is pleased thatClinton is now Governor of New York, although he regrets the loss of hismilitary services. Draft, in the hand of Alexander Hamilton.