Title
[Document, 1784 January 14 and 15, June 18, and August 9]
Library Location
Name
Thomson, Charles, 1729-1824 (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
January 14 and 15, June 18, and August 9, 1784
Language
English
Physical Description
4 pages
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Copies of 4 letters of 1784 from Thomson to Jay: 14 January, 15 January, 18 June, and 9 August. (1) 14 January: Acknowledges receipt of letter of 12 September enclosing prints. Does not know whether the invention they depict will be or use or remain a plaything. Congratulates Jay on return of peace. Definitive treaty ratified today and is being carried over by Colonel J. Harmar, whom Thomson recommends to Jay's attention. (2) 15 January: Although David S. Franks needs no introduction to Jay, Thomson uses him as messenger for a letter. Franks entrusted with triplicate copy of treaty ratification adopted 14 January by 3 states. Ratification "was done with the unanimous consent not only of every State but of every member of Congress." Hopes that when people's passions have cooled, a conciliatory spirit will prevail. His greatest concern has been that there has been no New York delegate to Congress since November 1 because of law preventing meeting of state Assembly. This situation should improve as New York Assembly is again in session. (3) 18 June. Receipt of Jay's letter of April 10. Gratitude for Jay's kindness to J. Norris, whom Thomson had recommended. Norris's family and background. Informs Jay of his election as Secretary for Foreign Affairs Does not know what Jay's reaction will be "but this I am sure of that your Country stands in need of your abilities in that office." Lists reasons that make Jay's acceptance imperative. Thomson feels time has come "for us to think & act like a Sovereign as well as a free people," and Jay's acceptance will promote this feeling. Jefferson has been named minister to France, and Jefferson has been added to Adams and Franklin as team to negotiate commercial treaties in Europe. (4) letter of recommendation for Henry Remsen, who was named Under Secretary in Office of Foreign Affairs in April so that he could open papers sealed since Livingston left office. During years Remsen worked for Thomson, he showed fidelity, Prudence, and diligence.
Identifier
columbia.jay.12589