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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

JAY TO MRS. JAY. 1 - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 4 (1794-1826) [1893]

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. 4 (1794-1826).

Part of: The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 4 vols.

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JAY TO MRS. JAY.1

. . . . . . .

I arrived here on Monday evening; and yesterday dined with the President. The question of war or peace seems to be as much in suspense here as in New York when I left you. I am rather inclined to think that peace will continue, but should not be surprised if war should take place. In the present state of things, it will be best to be ready for the latter event in every respect.

10th April, 1794.

. . . . . . .

The aspect of the times is such, that prudential arrangements calculated on the prospect of war should not be neglected, nor too long postponed. Peace or war appears to me a question which cannot be solved. Unless things should take a turn in the meantime, I think it will be best on my return to push our affairs at Bedford briskly. There is much irritation and agitation in this town, and in Congress. Great Britain has acted unwisely and unjustly; and there is some danger of our acting intemperately.

. . . . . . .

[1 ]From this point, for about a year, the correspondence chiefly concerns the “Jay Treaty” of 1794. The threatening complications arising from the Revolution in France, and the divided sympathies of the American people, determined Washington to follow up his proclamation of neutrality with a special effort to avert war with Great Britain whose presumption and aggressions had become exasperating. The delicate mission was entrusted to Jay as Envoy Extraordinary, and in the following letters and documents the course of his negotiations may be traced to their successful issue. See Jay’s “Life of Jay,” vol. i., pp. 301-367, and Pellew’s “Jay,” pp. 294-317.