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

1807. - 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.


1807.

JAY TO PETER VAN SCHAACK.

Bedford, May 4, 1807.

Dear Sir:

Accept my thanks for your friendly letter of the 18th of last month.

As to the election, it is not clear to me what will be its precise effect in relation to the Federalists. If as a party they judged it to be expedient to favour Mr. Lewis, I think they should as a party have openly and decidedly declared and resolved that they would support him. The language of the Federal leaders to the party seems to amount to this, viz.: On this occasion you may leave your standard; you may go home, and every man is at liberty to do what may be right in his own eyes, but we nevertheless intimate to you, as an opinion to which we incline, but do not explicitly adopt, that it may be better for us to have Mr. Lewis than Mr. Tomkins for our Governor. I do not like measures of this kind. I fear that they tend to disorganize and sever us, and that they do not manifest that degree of resolution, self-respect, and dignity which our motives, objects, and situation demand. Had the party resolved to support Mr. Lewis, I certainly should have voted for him. As a mere individual, judging what was proper for me to do, I declined voting for either of the candidates.

I did hope that your letter would have encouraged me to expect Mrs. V. Schaack here this season with you, and such of the children as you could conveniently bring. Such a visit would be exceedingly grateful to me and my family.

For some weeks during the winter I was much indisposed; at present my health is much as it usually is, and probably as good as it ever will be. My children join with me in assuring you and Mrs. V. Schaack and your family of our regards and best wishes.

Peter’s health has for some time past been gradually improving. I mention this because I am sure it will give you pleasure.

I am, dear sir,
Your affectionate friend,

John Jay.

JAY TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.

Bedford, 15th September, 1807.

Dear Sir:

I have received your letter of the 2d inst., and expected to have answered it this week in person. My health had so much mended that, on Friday last, I rode to Bedford for the first time since my return. That night, rheumatic pains in my head, neck, and shoulders came on. They have somewhat abated, but still confine me to the house. In our journey through life, as in other journeys, our wishes cannot always be gratified. Travellers must expect to live and fare like travellers.

You have the gout, and you extract consolation from it; this is good moral chemistry. My rheumatism and your gout may perhaps carry us home the farthest way round, but not in an easy chair. When we “ruminate past enjoyments,” we taste that tincture of melancholy which their departure and other associated circumstances infuse; it nevertheless affords a kind of pleasure which, like some medical wine, is not only better than no wine, but perhaps in some respects more salutary than pure wine.

The half a century you speak of has given us some knowledge and experience, both of men and things. That experience leads me to concur cordially in your idea of cultivating sentiments of friendship, and particularly to cherish those with which I am

Yours, very sincerely,

John Jay.