Document, 1806 April 14

Title
Document, 1806 April 14
Library Location
Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Wilberforce, William, 1759-1833 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
1806 April 14
Physical Description
2
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Has read "War in Disguise" and encloses an answer to it, written "by a Gentleman of excellent Talents and good Dispositions." Every independent state has a right to make grants to and treaties with any other without cause for objection by a third power. When such acts are injurious to others, those others have a right to attack the abuse, but not the thing abused. Whether a particular act is fraudulent is to be decided according to the Laws of Nations. These principles do not permit John Jay to adopt some of the opinions of the writer of the pamphlet. In the Treaty of Amiens we see concluded the first act of the tragedy which the French Revolution has introduced. Great Britain still sustains "a conspicuous and important part"; it is not yet certain that America will join the dramatis personae. Is glad that Lord Grenville has "a distinguished place" in the new Administration.
Identifier
columbia.jay.09284