Title
[Document, 1812 March 02]
Library Location
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Munro, Peter Jay, 1767-1833 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
March 02, 1812
Language
English
Physical Description
1 page
Subjects
United States--History--1809-1817; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
It is said that the manufacturing company at Mamaroneck have applied to the legislature for an act to enable them to overflow the adjacent farms, without the consent of the owners, to make a pond (on payment of compensation). The state has the right to take land for its use on payment of compensation, but the legislature has no right to compel a freeholder to part with his land to a fellow-citizen. The company should obtain land by voluntary, not compelled purchase; anything else would set a dangerous precedent. Is inclined to suspect the matter has not been fully represented to him and asks for the facts in the case.
Identifier
columbia.jay.00554