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

JAY TO MRS. JAY. - 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.

May 12, 1794.

. . . . . . .

I have seen this day’s newspapers, and the Philadelphia democratic resolutions published in them.1 They give me no concern, and I hope they will be equally indifferent to you. The less you say on such subjects, the less you will flatter the importance of those who may not wish us well. We have the prospect of a good voyage, but it would be infinitely less disagreeable if it was towards, instead of being from, you and our children and friends. I look forward to that pleasure, and sincerely hope and pray that a kind Providence will so order events, that my return be not protracted beyond the time we contemplate. Kiss our little ones for me. Once more farewell:—and that the Author and Giver of all consolation may be and remain with you and them for ever, will not cease to be the prayer of

Your very affectionate husband,

John Jay.

[1 ]This was the date of Jay’s sailing from New York for England. A large number of citizens collected at the Battery and cheered and fired a salute as his vessel passed out of the North River. The Tammany Society held its anniversary on the same evening and toasted his mission as well as success to the armies of France. The resolutions referred to in the letter were adopted by one of the many Democratic clubs in the country which grew out of and formed the popular enthusiasm over the French Revolution. The Philadelphia Society denounced the English mission less than it reflected upon the President’s appointment of Jay. It was claimed that his office of Chief Justice had been degraded to partisan uses—a step “the most unconstitutional and dangerous in the annals of the United States.” Among other criticisms, the resolutions insisted that in case of an impeachment of the Executive the Chief Justice could not act within the spirit and meaning of the Constitution. There was no personal reference to Jay.