Title
[Document, 1798 August 02]
Library Location
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
New York (State). Legislature (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
August 02, 1798
Language
English
Physical Description
3 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Autograph document signed. Jay's message to the two houses of the New York legislature. A special session has been called because of the serious and alarming state of national affairs with France. The rulers of that Republic have made "overbearing attempts to envolve us in their wars and for their objects," and U.S. legations sent to France have been treated badly. The U.S. Government has called upon the nation to prepare for defense, and the port of New York as well as the militia merit special consideration by the state. The principal of state funds should remain untouched and the deficiency should be supplied by taxes at times like these. But whatever differences may arise relative to domestic expenses, it should be resolved not to pay tribute to any foreign nation.
Identifier
columbia.jay.02615