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

JAY TO TIMOTHY PICKERING. - 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 TIMOTHY PICKERING.

Albany, 13th November, 1797.

Dear Sir:

I consider myself much obliged by your friendly and interesting letter of the 28th ult. From Talleyrand’s expressions and conduct it seems, and I infer, that he will act as favourably towards us as may consist with his personal views, for I have very little confidence in his being governed by any moral principles, further than they may be conveniently adopted. As to Otto and La Forest, I entertain of them in that respect very similar sentiments; they will probably be inclined towards us as far as may suit them.

The recent explosion at Paris has cast most of our calculations and conjectures, relative to the issue of our negotiations with the Directory, very much into the air. A complete state of defence at home appears to me to be the only solid foundation on which to rest our hopes of security, and I regret that more has not been done towards it. But until our people become more united, and feel more sensibly the pride and the duties of independence, our Jacobins will not cease to perplex the measures of our government, however wise and salutary. It is pleasing to observe, that notwithstanding their efforts to mislead, the public mind is gradually recovering from its errors, and to this end your public reports and letters have essentially contributed. Your answer to the Spanish minister’s factious and indecent letter, has made stronger impressions than he and his counsellors probably suspect.

Yours, very sincerely,

John Jay.

1798.