Complains that he has been well only two days out of a whole month in London because of "a bloody Flux and now a sore throat." In John Jay's opinion, the British cabinet has arrived at no plan of conduct toward America. The Tories in it are convinced that "we shall not be able to act as a Nation, that our Governments are too feeble to command Respect, and our Credit too much abased to recover its R eputation or merit Confidence." Unfortunately, America's friends in England appear to have more enthusiasm than power. However, John Jay believes that America's situation is hopeful. In time it will be possible to pass a navigation act, and "prevent British Vessels carrying our productions: Provided we would execute it, we should find it of as much Value as many Treaties of Commerce." If England should persist in a monopolizing system, America should retaliate firmly.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829