Title
Document, 1786 May 18
Library Location
Name
Washington, George, 1732-1799 (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
1786 May 18
Physical Description
0 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Acknowledges receipt of 2 and 16 March. Thanks John Jay for the enclosure in the letter of 2 March. Littlepage seems to have completely forgotten "what was due to you, & indeed what was necessary to his own character: and his guardian, I think seems to have forgotten every thing." Washington agrees with Jay that there are "errors in our national government which call for correction loudly I would add; but I shall find myself happily mistaken if the remedies are at hand....To be plainer, I think there is more wickedness than Ignorance mixed in our councils." Because of this, Washington does not know what to think of a general convention. He has no doubt of the necessity of revising and amending the Articles of Confederation. He feels that "something must be done, or the fabrick must fall - for it is certainly tottering." "Ignorance & design are difficult to combat; out of these proceed illiberal sentiments, improper jealousies, and a train of evils which oftentimes, in republican governments, must be sorely felt before they can be removed." Washington laments that the country is "so fallen! - so lost!" since the time "the plain path...invited our footsteps." He feels that the "want of disposition to do justice is the source of the national embarrassments." Letterbook copy.
Identifier
columbia.jay.12659