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

JAY TO THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK. - 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 THE MAYOR OF NEW YORK.

New York, 7th June, 1796.

Sir:

Considering the works erected on Governor’s Island, and the obvious objections to having a lazaretto near a garrison, I am solicitous to procure some other place for that purpose.

You are apprised of the difficulty or rather impossibility of purchasing from individuals any ground in a convenient situation for a lazaretto on account of the popular prejudices against having such an establishment in their neighbourhood.

As Bedloe’s Island, which belongs to the Corporation, has heretofore been used and considered as a proper place for the purpose I think it would be agreeable both to the State and to the citizens of New York that it should be purchased by the State, and the intended lazaretto built there in preference to Governor’s Island, in case the French intend soon to remove from it as I have understood they purpose to do; for I have no desire to interfere with any arrangements between the Corporation and them relative to it. Be pleased therefore to lay this letter before the Corporation, and to inform me whether they will sell it to the State and at what price. Considering that this city is more immediately interested in the precautions necessary to be taken against the introduction of contagious disorders by vessels arriving in this port than the more distant parts of the State, I flatter myself that the terms will be moderate, and such as the Legislature would approve of my acceding to.1

I have the honour to be with great respect,

Sir, your most obliging and humble servant,

John Jay.

The Honourable the Mayor of the City of New York.

[1 ]The City Corporation granted the island to the State about three weeks later.