Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow WILLIAM NORTH 1 TO JAY. - The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 4 (1794-1826)

Return to Title Page for The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 4 (1794-1826)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

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

WILLIAM NORTH 1 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.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


WILLIAM NORTH1 TO JAY.

[Philadelphia,] June 6, 1798.

Dear Sir,

The bill for prohibiting all intercourse with France is now before us, and will probably pass. The Alien Bill has passed the Senate; Webster will have it in his paper. The act for raising, when it may be thought necessary, 10,000 men with permission to the President to receive such Volunteers as may offer, is, I believe, published; and there is now a bill for completing the marine Corps to 500 men. In addition to these and others providing for defence, certain resolutions have been laid before the other house to declare the Treaty void, and to grant letters of marque and reprisal; this step, however, has been thought by a majority of our friends at a private meeting to be rather premature. They will not be withdrawn, but remain with the committee of defence for future occasion. The warm spirits in this and the other house perhaps wish to run faster than is necessary; those who oppose the government would never stir a step. It is true the head of the government has given and daily gives us to understand that we are already at war; witness his answer to the address from Duanesbrugh and others. Whether there is a necessity for this open language you are a better judge than I can pretend to be; but it strikes me that it is never worth while to speak plain while you are in a measure prepared to ward off the blow which your antagonist is ready to strike.

The military department has at its head a man who is said to be not the most competent to its great and various duties; what ability the new minister of Marine may possess I know not. It is regretted much that Mr. Cabbot would not accept the appointment—The situation of our Militia is bad, both with respect to discipline and arms. I find that there is no likelihood of Congress being brought to do any thing in the business; the eastern men say (perhaps for fear of taxing themselves for the Southern States who will receive the greater benefits) their Militia is well armed, they want no assistance, they are disciplined, they want no further laws on the subject, and that if they did, the States individually have, if not full, a concurrent power with Congress to do what is necessary. I believe it would be a wise step, if our legislature meets, to erect, or by encouragement, by loan or otherwise, induce individuals to erect manufactories of small arms, powder and salt-petre. I will endeavour to get a bounty allowed on the manufacture of those articles. The spirit of the people of New York seems to be exerting itself for the safety of the City. I have sent to Col. Hamilton Baron Steuben’s ideas on the subject and also have given them to Mr. McHenry, who is to go to New York next week, and fortunately is in possession of certain plans and maps, made by a Mr. Smith, and approved by Montressor and a board of engineers, intended to point out the proper place and the best method of fortifying the harbour of New York.

. . . . . . .

I am with respect, Dear Sir,
Your obedient Servant,

W. North.

[1 ]United States Senator from New York.