JAY TO JOHN ADAMS. - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 3 (1782-1793) [1891]
Edition used:
The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, ed. Henry P. Johnston, A.M. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890-93). Vol. 3 (1782-1793).
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JAY TO JOHN ADAMS.
Office for Foreign Affairs, May 12, 1787.
Dear Sir:
I had the pleasure of writing you a few lines on the 2d of last month, since which I have received and communicated to Congress your letters of 9th, 24th, and 27th January, and 3d and 24th February last.
My health still continues much deranged, and I purpose in a few days to make an excursion into the country for about a fortnight.
A motion has lately been made in Congress to remove to Philadelphia, and the party who supported it persevere in pushing it from day to day. They are not joined by a single member from either of the Eastern States, and yet there is reason to apprehend that they will carry their point. No other motive for their strange measure is publicly assigned by them, except that Philadelphia is more central than New York. Several important affairs which ought to have been despatched have given place to this unfortunate contest, so that I can by this conveyance send you little of importance.
Accept my thanks for the book you were so kind as to send me. I have read it with pleasure and with profit. I do not, however, altogether concur with you in sentiment respecting the efficiency of our great council for national purposes, whatever powers more or less may be given them. In my opinion a council so constituted will forever prove inadequate to the objects of its institution.
With great and sincere esteem I have the honour to be, dear sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
John Jay.
P. S.—A new edition of your book is printing in this city and will be published next week. You will herewith receive the late newspapers.
“A Defence of the Constitution of the United States against the Attack of M. Turgot,” by John Adams. The work, in three volumes, was in substance “an analysis of the various free governments of ancient and modern times, with occasional summaries of their history, to illustrate the nature of the evils under which they had suffered and ultimately perished.” The first volume was issued during the sitting of the Federal Convention.
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