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

JAY TO JAMES MONROE. - 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 JAMES MONROE.

London, 28th August, 1794.

Sir:

In July, 1792, Miss Bainstow, a young lady, now of seventeen, and whose family reside near this city, was placed at Boulogne, under the care and in the house of Madame Delseaux, a respectable widow lady there, for the benefit of education.

In September last she was, together with her friend and fellow-pensioner, Miss Hornblow, arrested and confined in a convent.

In the January following they were removed back to Madame Delseaux’s house, where they still remain confined in the manner prescribed by the decree.

Miss Bainstow’s friends are exceedingly solicitous to interest your kind offices in favour of these young ladies. They entreat me to lay these facts before you, and convey their most earnest requests that you will be so good as to endeavour to obtain permission for them to return home.

When I consider what my feelings would be, had I a daughter of that age so circumstanced, I find it impossible to resist this application. I know by experience that business not connected with the objects of one’s mission can seldom be pleasant. The business of humanity, however, seems to be attached to opportunities of doing it. I will not enlarge on this subject; every remark incident to it will occur to you. For my part I am not apprised of any objection to permitting these foreign children to go home to their parents; and should such a general permission be effected by your means, the remembrance of it would be sweet to you for ever.

I remain, sir,
Your most obedient and humble servant,

John Jay.