MRS. JAY TO 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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MRS. JAY TO JAY.
New York, 10th June, 1792.
My Dear Mr. Jay:
On Friday, myself and the children had the pleasure of receiving your kind letters of the last of May and first of June, since which I hope you have received two packets from me, sent to Judge Marchant’s care by Captain Peterson and Captain Cahoon. I intended to send this by to-morrow’s post, but I have just heard that Captain Peterson is again to sail out Tuesday, so that I think it best to postpone it till then, as I can then send you the papers and give you decisive accounts relative to the election. At present the issue of it is doubtful, rendered so by a quibble. If the suffrages of the people are admitted, they give you a majority of 400 votes, but if the County of Otsego are to lose theirs, Clinton will have the majority of a small number. Yesterday was published in Childs’ paper the opinion of eight (?) of the principal lawyers of the city in favor of the return of the votes. I will send you the gazettes that contain the discussions on that question. To-morrow I am informed are to be published the opinions of eight or nine on the other side and to be signed by them. Oh, how is the name of Livingston to be disgraced! Brockholst, Edward, William, S. Maturin, etc., are to be of the number. Those shameless men, blinded by malice, ambition, and interest, have conducted themselves with such indecency during the election, and daily since the canvassing of the votes, as to open the eyes of every one respecting their views in their opposition to you. It is said, and I believe it, that Brockholst and Ned first suggested the doubts on that subject. The canvassers of the votes are eleven, eight of whom are partizans of Clinton, and three are in favor of you. In order, as is supposed, to cloak themselves, they officially asked the opinion of Burr and King. Their opinions have not yet been printed, but I am informed by good authority that King’s is decidedly in favor of the old sheriff’s being entitled to act until a new sheriff was commissioned to succeed. Mr. Burr (as was supposed) was too sore to be unbiassed; he has, therefore, delivered an opinion which, like a two-edged sword, cuts both ways, for he declares that there was no sheriff, which, if admitted, destroys the legality of the votes and casts an odium on the Governor for suffering so important an office to be vacant. Should the canvassers be hardy enough to decide against the privileges of the people, and instead of suffering them to choose a governor, take upon themselves to give them one, it will occasion great agitation throughout the State. I am satisfied that the sentiments of the people are with you; whether you are or are not Governor, it appears that you are the choice of the people.
Monday Evening.
Well, my dear Mr. Jay the Canvassers have taken upon them to give the people a Governor of their election, not the one the people preferred. When Governor Clinton was 108 votes ahead, it was thought dangerous to examine the vote of Tioga County, it being reduced to a certainty that that County alone would give you a majority independant of the votes of Otsego. Another quibble was therefore invented, and they were likewise set aside. I am informed that the Recorder, Isaac Roosevelt, and Mr. Canzwort are determined to enter their protest, and likewise to publish the votes of those counties which they think illegally thrown aside, and which if admitted would have given you a Majority of a thousand votes.
The dejection, uneasiness and dissatisfaction that prevails, casts the darkest Odium upon our shameless Governor, while it makes your light shine still brighter than ever. One of the Clintonians told a gentleman of our acquaintance that he was now convinced of the necessity of a change. Judge Hobart came last evening to congratulate me on your triumph; I told him I really conceived it such. Peter Munro is writing to you, and has promised to collect those papers which are most interesting. The hand bill enclosed is Duer’s, but I think it best to conceal the author’s name. Those lawyers who had boasted their design of publishing their opinions against the votes have taken care not to fulfil their promise. Since you have so honorably lost your election, I could acquiesce in it with pleasure did it not deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you soon and of enjoying your company for a great part of the year; but I will not dwell upon one disagreeable circumstance when so many agreeable ones concur to make me happy. Oh my dear Mr. Jay! what transport does it give me to hear the praises that are daily bestowed upon you! Much rather would I lose a crown as you have lost the Office contended for, than gain an empire upon the terms Governor Clinton steals into his.
Tuesday Morng.—I find they have not yet announced in the paper the appointment of Governor. I am told that it is intended that it should be accompanied with the protests of Jones, &c. There is such an ferment in the City that it is difficult to say what will be the consequences. I shall leave my letter unsealed until evening; should anything occur in the interval that is interesting you shall be apprised of it. I am sitting in your room to write and at your table and have almost persuaded myself that I am making my communications verbally.
People are running in continually to vent their vexation. Poor Jacob Morris looks quite disconsolate. King says he thinks Clinton as lawfully Governor of Connecticut as of New York but he knows of no redress.
Captain Peterson is ready to sail as soon as the wind changes. I think it best therefore to close this letter and send it. I can again write to-morrow as that is Post day if there is any thing worth writing. We are all well, and had been delighting ourselves with the prospect of seeing you soon. The children, therefore, when they heard of the decision of the canvassers exclaimed, Oh! Mama then we shall not see Papa this great while. My consolation is, that time has wings, and altho’ they will appear to me to be clogged, yet they will finally waft you back to us.
Till then my best beloved farewell!
S. Jay.
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