JAY TO MRS. JAY. - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 3 (1782-1793) [1891]
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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 MRS. JAY.
New Haven, 24th April, 1792.
My Dear Sally:
My last to you was written at Bedford, which place I left yesterday and arrived here this evening, in good health. At Norwalk I purchased some seed of the White Mulberry; you will find a little parcel of it herewith enclosed. Peter may plant some of it in our garden; if they grow we will send them next spring to Bedford. I have also enclosed some with the letter for my brother Peter, which you will find under the same cover with this, and which be so good as to forward by the boat or other good opportunity. I learn that we shall have much business to do here, there being about forty actions. Judge and Mrs. Cushing also arrived this evening; they made very friendly inquiries respecting you and the children, and desire to be remembered to you. On the road I saw Mr. Sodersheim; he called at our house on Sunday last, but as you were gone to Church, did not see you; it gives me pleasure to find from this that you then were well. He told me Mr. Macomb was in goal, and that certain others had ceased to be rich—how mutable are human affairs! Mrs. Macomb must be greatly distressed; your friendly attentions to her would be grateful and proper.
25th April.—Peet went last evening to the post-office, but returned without letters; this morning yours of the 22d inst. was sent to me, and I thank you for it. Cheerfulness, my dear Sally, is best promoted by frequently reflecting on the reasons we have for being cheerful, and by attention to the health, both of our minds and bodies. I regret the depression you mention, and wish it was in my power forever to banish from your breast every uneasy sensation. My health has been mended by the exercise I have lately had. A gentleman from Philadelphia told me this morning that the plan of rotation (as to the circuits) will probably be established by Congress; perhaps it may not take place, or be of short duration—“Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.”
. . . . . . .
I thank God that you and the children are well; may you continue so, and be happy. My robe may become useless, and it may not. I am resigned to either event, for no one knows what is best for him. He who governs all makes no mistakes; and a firm belief of this would save us from many. Mrs. Ridley’s silence seems singular, perhaps her letters linger on the way; she had better write by the post. When I parted with my brother Peter he talked of sending for you; that is, of sending his horses to put into your carriage. If he should, I wish it may be convenient for Susan to remain with the family during your absence; one, if not both, of the little girls might go with you. This is fine weather, and I hope your dear little namesake will be the better for it.
I had concluded to send this letter by the packet, but as her arrival at New York may be delayed by contrary winds, I shall send it by the post, and leave the mulberry seed and my letter to Peter to go by the packet. Remind P. Munro of my note to F. Clarkson. I wish no delays or difficulties respecting it may occur.
I am, my dear Sally,
Very affectionately yours,
John Jay.
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