Title
[Document, 1811 March 29]
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
March 29, 1811
Language
English
Physical Description
7 pages
Subjects
United States--History--1809-1817; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
From his letter has received the first news that a copy of Washington's Farewell Address was found among Hamilton's papers in the latter's handwriting. This is unpleasant and unexpected news, as the address was a personal rather than a public document. The conduct and character of Washington comprise overwhelming counter-evidence to proofs of Hamilton's authorship. It is human nature to depreciate the superiority of contemporaries, and when these facts are generally know, many will strive to give them currency. On the other hand, men of truth and judgment will see in Washington's military and political careers numerous proofs of his knowledge and experience. He was persuaded the national welfare could be preserved only by adherence to the policies of his administration. Therefore he addressed his fellow citizens--"the last parental admonitions of this Father of his Country." Washington's correspondence, some now published, also proves his ability to write well. He would sometimes submit his efforts to friends for their comments or corrections, but on such an occasion nobody would have written a completely new paper. Offers as direct evidence the testimony that Hamilton had received the first draft of the address and had written the whole over, incorporating his own amendements. He then read it to John Jay at which time unimportant changes were made. A further change which occured to the latter was written to the President, who could ultimately compare the suggested corrections against his own first copy with facility.
Identifier
columbia.jay.12797