United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Draft of Jay's essay signed "Ahala" in the Daily Advertiser of this date
(see document 10092). An attack upon Clinton and the methods he used to obtain and
retain his powers as Governor. Proceeds to question the military reputation of Gates,
with particular mention of the Conway cabal. Criticism of a General's aide de camp and
private secretary to a minister seems directed at Henry Brockholst Livingston. When the
late Commissioner of the Treasury, Samuel Osgood, resigned his commission, he also gave
up his political reputation. Who is the candidate for Senator - one would hardly guess!
None other than Dr. Samuel Latham Mitchell - who will instruct the United States Senate
in the difference between phlogiston and oxygen. Europe will admire the versatility of a
chemical pedant turned legislator! The politically dead threaten to rise again to their
former offices. It is unkind to criticize them with the weapons they have put into their
opponents' hands, yet they must be battled for the good of the
nation.