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

JAY TO MORRIS S. MILLER. 1 - 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 MORRIS S. MILLER.1

Bedford, 22d May, 1809.

Dear Sir:

I have received by the last mail, and have read with great pleasure your obliging letter of the 11th inst. The information it conveys cannot fail of being grateful to all who prefer the wise and upright policy which distinguished the administration of Washington to that which of late has distressed and disgraced our country. How far the favorable changes which have taken place are imputable to patriotic and correct principles, time and experience only can decide. Sincerely do I wish that all our elections may manifest the prevalence of such principles; but I am not sanguine in my expectations of it. Personal and pecuniary considerations appear to have acquired a more than ordinary degree of influence; many sacrifices of public good have and will yet be made to them. On the exertions of the virtuous and intelligent much will always depend; should they become relaxed by a sense either of security or of fatigue, we shall probably lose the ground we have gained. I brought with me into retirement the same affection for our country by which I have always been actuated, and you rightly judge that nothing which is of importance to the public can be a matter of indifference to me.

Miss Jay joins with me in assuring you and Mrs. Miller of our best wishes for your prosperity.

I am, dear sir, with sincere esteem and regard,

Your obedient servant,

John Jay.

[1 ]Mr. Miller, of Utica, N. Y., wrote to Jay as follows, May 11th:

“Permit me to advise you of the result of the election in the Western District. For the first time in eight years the triumph of correct principles is complete. In the year 1808 the Democratic Senators succeeded by a majority of about two thousand nine hundred; the Federalists are elected this year by a majority of at least six hundred.

“It is with peculiar pleasure I inform you that in every part of the District the election has been bottomed and conducted on decided Federal principles: in no County has there been any arrangement or concert with either section of the Democratic party. The result of this election therefore may be fairly attributed to the increasing prevalence of those principles on which the patriotic framers and supporters of the Constitution have uniformly acted. I hope, sir, you will excuse the liberty I have taken in thus trespassing on your time and attention. Altho’ you have in a great measure withdrawn from public life, and stand aloof from the bustle of political contests, yet after having made so many sacrifices for the public good, and contributed so much to the dignity and prosperity of this country, it is not to be believed you can be indifferent to the revival of those principles which you have so successfully inculcated and on which the future destinies of the United States so much depend.”