Typed transcription of description in Stan. V. Henkels Catalog, 16 January
1917. If John Jay had had absolute power in New York State last spring he would have
deserted Long Island, Staten Island, Manhattan Island, and all that part of Westchester
below the hills. He would have placed the main body of the army on the eastern side, and
eight to ten tho usand men in the highlands on the west side of the Hudson. He would have
shallowed the river and fortified all southern passes in the mountains. This would
render New York virtually impregnable on the sea side. But Governor Tryon and his
adherents have been successful in spreading dissension so that "I Cannot at present
obtain Permission to return to Congress." However, as long as "whimsical Constituents"
retain Morris in Congress, America's interests are safe. Jay wishes that the secret
committee would communicate no information other than that necessary to promote the
common good. A copy of a letter from "Arthur Lee" was sent by a member of congress to a
gentleman not in Congress. Jay saw this copy himself, but cannot with propriety mention
the names of those concerned. Letter seems to be incomplete. Complementary close
missing.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Format
correspondence
Genre
correspondence
Date
1776 October 06
Physical Description
3
Note
The entire content of the original has been digitized.
