Title
[Document, 1820 December 26]
Library Location
Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Name
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Author)
Peters, Richard, 1743-1828 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
December 26, 1820
Language
English
Physical Description
2 pages
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
The "Perversion and Obliquity" to which he refers are neither recent nor unexpected. Men who pursue influence usually remain hostile to those who disapprove of their maneuvers. The statement made at the Massachusetts, Convention was doubtless accommodated to the objects which its projectors had in view. A statement of facts by John Jay is not necessary, as he has a book of all his official letters to Congress. The talent and rectitude which appear in Judge Marshall's Life of Washington cause regret that he has not begun a history of the United States down to the last war, incorporating that life in it. Whoever may undertake such a history would do well to revise it frequently and postpone publication until the events and circumstances have ceased to produce personal and political excitements. Can add nothing material to the information contained in his letter of 29 March 1811 on the Farewell Address. On that occasion he and Hamilton confined their attention to the paper in which the latter had incorporated that address with his proposed corrections. The draft itself assent by the President was not then read by either of them, nor by John Jay at anytime. Whether the President adopted all or only some of the proposed corrections, or added others, is a question which memory no longer enables him to answer. Thinks that Hopkinson will perceive that Hamilton cannot be assigned even the credit for amending and correcting the Address without incurring the discredit of breach of confidence. Is glad to hear of Peters' good health. Hopes Judge Washington will be restored to health. The distress of the times is felt sensibly; speculations and debts press hard and it cannot be calculated how much good or evil will result.
Identifier
columbia.jay.09581