United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
His letter to Peters of 26 December 1820 remarked on the "Perversions and
Obliquities" which were not then explained. They began on receipt of his letter to
Congress of 20 Sept. 1781, quoted here. This expresses his unwillingness that the
ministers of the United States be governed by the advice and opinions of the servants of
another ruler. Such instructions breathe complacency and put it out of the power of
American commissioners to improve any situations which might occur. Asks that Congress
remove him from a station where he must obey the directions of those on whom no American
minister ought to be dependent. The impressions made by this letter on those who had
urged the instruction mentioned in it can easily be imagined. The attempts of Genet to
facilitate the designs of France at the hazard of our peace and neutrality gave rise to
Washington's proclamation on that subject and to the measures which followed it. The
treaty with England in 1794 did not accord with the wishes of France or with certain
individuals here; efforts to defeat it did not succeed, but the motives which prompted
them continued to operate. Politicians finally succeeded in forming a party which
supported a policy varying from that of Washington. Those who censured the late war with
England incurred resentment of those who committed the errors. Some active Federalists
joined the opposing party; such are apt to mistake cunning for wisdom. These details
will suffice to explain the concise remarks in his letter. Since the beginning of his
public life in 1774 he has never asked for an office or a vote, nor declined expressing
his sentiments on public measures that affected the welfare of the
country.
