Encloses one set of his report on Gerry's and Shripworth's communications and a dozen copies in smaller compass which John Jay may distribute wherever he thinks best to give "correct ideas of the principles and conduct of France towards the United States." Gerry's excuse for remaining in France and negotiating informally after his colleagues were expelled - that he desired to obtain are conciliatio n - led Pickering to write the report. Although Gerry deserved chastisement for his reprehensible, even criminal, conduct. Pickering would have said nothing if he had not thought it absolutely necessary to destroy the force of Gerry's opinions, which, despite their absurdity, were believed by many. Enclosures: [ca. 1 February 1799, Pickering's report on Gerry's and Shripworth's communications (1 large copy and twelve smaller ones).
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829