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

JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO 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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JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO JAY.

Philadelphia, April 11, 1798.

My Dear Sir:

. . . . . . .

Soon after my arrival here I was informed of Mr. Troup’s intention to resign,1 by letter from our excellent friend Schuyler, who urged me to secure the appointment for myself; this, I declined for a variety of reasons which I detailed to him, and which he had the goodness to approve of in very flattering terms. In the course of two or three weeks Mr. Laurence applied to me at the request of Mr. Bogert, who was sollicitous for the appointment if he could obtain it upon certain conditions, but in no event would he be considered as a candidate if it would be agreeable to me to accept the office. I told Mr. Laurence I wished to defer a determination on that subject, if possible, till the result of the effort then making at Albany should be known. As soon as I heard of the decision of the Assembly I told him I would accept if the office was offered to me. He this morning waited upon the President, and in a conversation respecting Mr. Troup’s resignation, gave it as his opinion that it would be generally agreeable to the people of the State should I be his successor. Whereupon the President sent a message to the Senate announcing Mr. Troup’s resignation and nominating me to succeed him.

From this narration you will infer the probability that my next may bring you my resignation,1 and that you will have to appoint a Senator. There is much sollicitude here to know on whom that appointment will fall. All enquirers express a confidence that he will be a good man, yet they can’t help asking who will be sent.

Please to present my best respects to Mrs. Jay and the young ladies.

With sentiments of the most grateful friendship,

I am, yours

Jno. Sloss Hobart.

[1 ]The United States District Judgeship.

[1 ]As one of the United States Senators from New York.