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

JAY TO JAMES SULLIVAN. - 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 SULLIVAN.

New York, 28th July, 1797.

Sir:

I have been favoured with yours of the 30th of last month, informing me of the necessity of my being at Boston on the 14th of August next, to give testimony to the Commissioners appointed to determine what river was intended by the river St. Croix in the treaty of peace.

If on further consideration my personal attendance should be judged indispensable, I shall certainly think it my duty to attend. But really, sir, when I reflect on the nature of my evidence, it appears to me that my affidavit or answers to written interrogatories would be sufficient and satisfactory.

My testimony would amount to this, vizt., that in the negotiations for peace, the river St. Croix, as forming part of our eastern boundary came into question; that several rivers in those parts were said to have that name; that much was urged and argued on that topic; that Mitchell’s map was before us, and frequently consulted for geographical imformation; that both parties finally agreed that the river St. Croix laid down on that map, was the river St. Croix which ought to form a part of that boundary.

It may be asked, Did you at that time understand that the river St. Croix, laid down on Mitchell’s map, was then so decidedly and permanently adopted and agreed upon by the parties, as conclusively to bind the two Nations to that limit, even in case it should afterwards appear that Mitchell had been mistaken, and that the true river St. Croix was a different one from that which he had delineated on his map by that name?

To this question I answer, that I do not recollect nor believe that such a case was then put or talked of.1

With the best wishes for your health and happiness,

I have the honour to be,
Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

John Jay.

[1 ]Respecting the long disputed “northeastern boundary” of the United States, see Mr. Gallatin’s paper read before the New York Historical Society, in 1843, and published in its proceedings for that year. The discovery or production of Mr. Jay’s copy of Mitchell’s map, was the occasion of the address. Mr. Sparks published an article on the subject in the North American Review for 1843, vol. lvi.