Recvd Amherst's of Aug 30th, within this fortnight. Death of Lord A, "cannot fail to excite Regret and Sensibility," respect for his memory will render John Jay happy in being useful to family. Letter to Van Alen has been dispatched. About Amherst's lands: quit rents due to be transmitted; per 1786 statute N.Y. fee Tails turned into Fee Simples. Re: Van Alen's proposal, rate of "guinea"-"higher pri ces are paid for corporeal labor and business of every kind in this country than in perhaps any other..."Because large amount of good land available for purchase on easy terms, doubt can rent Amherst's land. Expense of trying of survey rent etc the land disproportionate to income, but the value of the land will increase "if under proper direction." J will advise with Van Alen
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829