Title
[Document, 1794 November 13]
Library Location
Name
John de Neufville & Son (Amsterdam, Netherlands) (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
November 13, 1794
Language
English
Physical Description
3 pages
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
No pretended past grievances should be allowed to infringe upon the system of neutrality as it was established in the treaties of Copenhagen, Breda, and Westminster of 1671. These should be the basis of the system, but "we should gain upon them in Liberality" in assuring every nation the right of transporting its own goods wherever it pleases in its own vessels. Nations not owning ships should be able to transport goods in the vessels of any other neutral nation. The use of neutral vessels by a nation at war should be permitted, provided that they do not carry implements of war, and also that these do not come from a manufacturing nation. Thus small arms made in Liege and sent from Amsterdam on board a neutral Dutch vessel to any part of the world should not be liable to seizure. Even in a case of a blockade, neutral vessels carrying grain should not be subject to seizure. On these terms De Neufville wishes to suggest to Jay the propriety of negotiating a permanent treaty of neutrality. This would soon teach nations "how much more honest industry would conduce to Wealth and happiness than depredation." In a postscript, De Neufville states that his letter to "Mr. W" concerned the probable change in British policies on African trade and De Neufville's advocacy of neutrality. He feels that a detailed account the contents of his letter would be improper in a letter to the representative of the United States.
Identifier
columbia.jay.12565