Title
[Document, 1780 November 25]
Library Location
Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
November 25, 1780
Language
English
Physical Description
4 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Jay disappointed that our military exertions have not produced greater results. We must trust the sincerity of the French in these matters. Severe economy in public expenditure should be observed. The defeat of Gates works against us here. Laurens still in confinement and all his papers are probably lost. Thinks the Dutch will remain at peace with so much money involved. Cautions Schuyler that American reverses in arms may give rise to disastrous dissension. In Europe the defeats have had a bad effect upon the American cause, and he hopes that Congress will shortly forward its report on the circumstance of Gates' defeat. Cornwallis' report of it is most damaging to the reputation of American arms. While the French have not given all the assistance they could to the American campaigns, care should be taken not to appear suspicious of their motives. The siege of Gibraltar is expensive and its objects could be better achieved by engagements in America than sieges in Spain. Laurens has been taken, and it appears his papers fell into the hands of the British. Representations have been made to the Dutch Stadholder concerning them, but the Dutch have too much money involved not to remain pacific.
Identifier
columbia.jay.09351