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

JAY TO WILLIAM NORTH. - 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 WILLIAM NORTH.

New York, 25 June, 1798.

Dear Sir:

On my arrival here the day before yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 22d inst. enclosing the President’s last communication, for which accept my thanks. The others which I received just before I left Albany, being in my trunk which I expect this morning, I cannot now answer particularly.

In my opinion it would be both just and proper to declare the treaty with France to be void, but I think it would be more advisable to direct reprisals than to declare war at present, for the public mind does not appear to me to be quite prepared for it. Of this however you are better informed, and therefore can judge better than I can. Should it be the case, the Jacobin leaders will continue to persuade their deluded followers that the Government is chargeable not only with participation, but with a desire to prevent an accommodation, which they affect to believe practicable notwithstanding the treatment of our Envoys, etc., etc.

When the mass of our people are convinced that war would be just, necessary and unavoidable, they will be content that it should be declared, and will support it vigorously; but I doubt whether that connection, however well founded, is as yet so prevailing and general as it ought to be, and as it would be, but for the arts practised to retard and prevent it. To me there seems to be reason to apprehend that there are characters to whom revolution and confiscation would not be disagreeable. Nothing should be omitted to frustrate their endeavours to deceive; every thing should be done to inform the people, and cause them to see things as they are. Mr. Gerry’s remaining in France is an unfortunate circumstance—it tends to prolong vain hopes, to cherish old divisions, and to create new ones; he was doubtless actuated by the best intentions but I think he committed a mistake. If both Houses should concur in opinion that a declaration of war would be seasonable, I hope the minority against it will not be so considerable as to give countenance to a contrary opinion.

There are attempts to make mischievous use of Talleyrand’s letter.

I am, dear sir, etc.,

John Jay.

P: Ought War to be declared by such thin Houses?