GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JAY. - 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).
About Liberty Fund:
Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.
Copyright information:
The text is in the public domain.
Fair use statement:
This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JAY.
Mount Vernon, March 3d. 1788.
Dear Sir:
In acknowledging the receipt of your obliging favor of the 3d ult. permit me to thank you for the rhubarb seed which accompanied it; to the growth of which, if good, a fair trial shall be given.
I was not unapprised of the treatment of letters in the Post Office of France; but am not less obliged by the friendly hint you have given me respecting this matter. Mine contain nothing which will be injurious to the receiver, if the contents of them are inspected.
The decision of Massachusetts would have been more influencial had the majority been greater, and the ratification unaccompanied by the recommendatory Act. As it stands however, the blow is severely felt by the anti-federalists in the equivocal States. This adoption added to the five States which have gone before it and to the favorable decision of the three which is likely to follow next, will (as there can be little doubt of Rhode Island following the example of her eastern brethren) be too powerful, I conceive, for locality and sophistry to combat.
On this day our elections of delegates to the Convention of this State, commences.—They will progress as our court days in this month shall arrive, and form an interesting epoch in our annals.
After the choice is made, the probable decision on the proposed Constitution (from the character of the members) can with more ease be conjectured; for myself I have never entertained much doubt of its adoption, tho’ I am incompetent to judge, never having been six miles beyond the limits of my own farm since my return from Philadelphia, and receive information of the sentiments of the people from visitors only.
It gives me much pleasure to hear that Mrs. Jay’s health is restored, and that you have the slight remains only of your long and painful indisposition. A little time and more moderate weather (if it should ever arrive, for at present there is no appearance of it) will, it is to be hoped, set you quite right again. In wishes for this purpose, and in offering compliments to Mrs. Jay, I am joined by Mrs. Washington. With sentiments of the highest esteem and regard,
I am, Dear Sir,
Yr. most obedient and affectionate Servant,
G. Washington.
Speaking for New York, Jay wrote briefly, April 20th, in reply to the above from Washington: “The Constitution still continues to cause great party zeal and ferment among us, and the opposition is yet so formidable that the issue appears problematical.” This was before the State convention met.
Titles (by Subject) 