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Title

Document, 1778 June 03

Library Location

Harvard University

Name

Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)

Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816 (Addressee)

Format

correspondence

Digital Project

Papers of John Jay

Date

1778 June 03

Physical Description

0 pages

Subjects

United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829

Summary

Acknowledges receipt of two letters of 28 April, one of 23 May, and an undated letter. Future approval of General Schuyler in New York will depend upon his conduct. The last session of the legislature was full of blunders and foot-dragging. However, salaries and allowances of state officials have been settled. Yates and Schuyler have been returned for the western district. It will be some time before the Augean stable is cleansed in the way Morris mentions. The extracts of proceedings against St. Clair and Schuyler Morris sent, John Jay, thinks, are more calculated for noise than decision. Also, Morris' statement of the charges may be misleading, for it may give the impression that the charge was futile, or that Morris dealt with Schuyler with mercy instead of justice. The Vermont affair requires tact, but it should not be allowed to monopolize Morris' attention. John Jay is happy to report that he has "not yet met with a single Whig in this State willing to accept peace on Lord North's terms." Morris should press the business of taxation, and assign specific days for the payment of quotas and time for the payment of interest. Lewis's quartermaster's department in Albany is in very good order. The forage master's department, under Bostwick, is badly managed, as might have been expected from the way Bostwick took care of his own business. Johannes Christopher Hartwick, whom Jay has known for twelve years, "and never otherwise than poor," will be given a copy of that part of Morris' letter intended for him. Jay would like to see Morris, and thinks he would be useful at the next session of the legislature. However, it is more proper that Morris remain in Congress, where he is sorely needed. Although "our hero has lost much influence, he still retains sufficient to create divisions." Philip Livingston is ill with a hectic fever. Jay hopes he will live long enough to enjoy the first fruits of success. Jay has heard that Duer, who deserves his country's esteem, is "Fairly worn down."

Identifier

columbia.jay.05353