Document, 1799 February 17

Title
Document, 1799 February 17
Library Location
Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University
Name
Jay, Peter A. (Peter Augustus), 1776-1843 (Author)
Woodward, Augustus B. (Augustus Brevoort), -1827 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
1799 February 17
Physical Description
4
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
While he is displeased with the abstract form of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions, he is even more distressed at their spirit. Antipathy to aliens has, in Kentucky, suddenly been turned to sympathy since the ratification of the British treaty. Since "democratic Gentlemen" are so fond of strict construction, what clause entitled 16 states to sit in judgment on the acts of Congress. Why set up a Supreme Court to pass on laws of the Union, if this was to be done by State Legislature? Democrats are inspired by ambition. Western New York is federalist, He is confident it will remain such, if well informed.
Identifier
columbia.jay.10038