I he expects immediately to sail for that port. should have written by the packet, but was afraid that the Active would sail before her; it has, however, turned out otherwise. I am this moment informed that a vessel bound for New York will sail on Tuesday next; I shall endeavour to write by her also, but I am so pressed for want of time by business and circumstances which, though not important, consume time that it will not be in my power to write either so many or such long letters as I otherwise should. God bless and preserve you, my dear Sally. My love to the children. Remember me to our friends. Yours affectionately, JOHN JAY. JAY TO PRESIDENT WASHINGTON. DEAR SIR: LONDON, 23d June, 1794. My letter of this date to Mr. Randolph contains an exact account of the present state of the affairs of my mission here. I shall be disappointed if no good should result. As yet, the minister stands entirely. uncommitted. From some light circumstances I incline to believe that our mercantile injuries will be redressed; but how or how far I cannot conjecture. My next conference will doubtless place things in more particular and clearer points of view. Dr. Gordon has information, which he relies upon, that the posts will not be surrendered, and he authorizes me to tell you so in confidence. His information does not make so strong an impression upon my mind as it does on his; it merits attention, but, in my opinion, is not conclusive. The observations I have hitherto made induce me to believe that the war with France is popular, and that a war with us would be unpopular. The word Jacobin is here a term of reproach, and used as such. among the common people. They who wish the reform of this government do, I apprehend, wish a certain degree of success to the present French cause, not because they like it, but because they think such success would promote their favourite objects. I often hear gentlemen converse on these subjects, but I think it prudent to be reserved; as to their internal parties and divisions, I make it a rule to remain silent. Your administration is greatly commended. The idea entertained by some, of applying private debts to compensate public injuries, alarms and disgusts, and impairs credit. I am anxious to have it in my power to communicate something decisive. As yet, I am entirely satisfied with the minister. I ought to add that Mr. Pinckney's conduct relative to me corresponds with my ideas of delicacy and propriety. With perfect respect, esteem, and attachment, I am, dear sir, your obliged and obedient servant, -- JOHN JAY. P.S. The enclosed copies of a note of the 19th inst. from Lord Grenville, and my answer, afford indications of his present temper, that will not escape you. It is always useful to communicate such papers, but seldom useful to publish them. Publication, unneces sarily and frequently made, must naturally increase reserve and circumspection to such a degree as, in a great measure, to exclude the advantages of confidence and conversation, and to confine negotiation to the slow and wary mode of written communications, written too under the impression and expectation of publication. Your affectionate servant, JAY TO EDMUND RANDOLPH. SIR: LONDON, 23d June, 1794. He On the 15th I arrived here, and the same day mentioned it by letter to Lord Grenville. appointed the 18th for my reception, and I then communicated to him my first commission, and left with him a copy of it. This was a visit of ceremony, and nothing passed between us relative to the objects of my mission. The next day I sent him copies of my letter of credence. On the 20th I had an interview with him by his appointment; and I communicated to him my general power, of which I have since sent him a copy. Much general conversation took place and the principal topics were touched upon. His Lordship did not commit himself on any point; he heard me very patiently and politely. He promised to appoint a short day for another conference, and I took my leave impressed with sentiments favorable to his character and manners. If his disposition be hostile, he conceals it admirably. What will be the decision of the court I will not venture even to conjecture. As yet, I have no reason to be dissatisfied, or to consider appearances as being unfavorable. No delays, or arts to procrastinate, have been practised. It is to be wished that no intelligence of an irritating nature may arrive from America. I do not regard preparations for war as of that nature. They ought not, in my opinion, to be neglected or delayed in the most profound state of peace. I shall not omit any opportunity of giving you such information as will enable you to see precisely the state of the negotiation, and shall endeavour to avoid deceiving you, or myself, by delusive hopes or groundless fears. I have the honour to be, with great respect, etc. JOHN JAY. JAY TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. MY DEAR SIR: LONDON, 11th July, 1794. I am still unable to say anything decisive relative to the objects of my mission. Appearances continue to be singularly favourable, but appearances merit only a certain degree of circumspect reliance. The delays occasioned by the new arrangement of the ministry cannot be of long continuance. Circumstances must soon constrain them to form some ultimate system relative to the United States; and although I have much reason to hope that it will be favourable to our wishes, yet I confess I am not without apprehensions that certain points not by us to be yielded will occasion difficulties hard to surmount. Personally I have every reason to be satisfied, and officially I have as yet no reason to complain. Shortly after my arrival I dined with Lord Grenville. The cabinet ministers were present, but not a single foreigner. On Monday next I am to dine with the Lord Chancellor, and on next Friday with Mr. Pitt. I mention these facts to explain what I mean by favourable appearances. I think it best that they should remain unmentioned for the present, and they make no part of my communications to Mr. Randolph, or others. This is not the season for such communications; they may be misinterpreted, though not by you. I fear the posts may labour, but they must not be left. We must not make a delusive settlement; that would disunite our people, and leave seeds of discord to germinate. I will do everything that prudence and integrity may dictate or permit. I will endeavour to accommodate rather than dispute; and if this plan should fail, decent and firm representations must conclude the business of my mission. As yet I do not regret any step I have taken. I wish I may be able to say the same at the conclusion. Yours affectionately, 5th August. This letter was inadvertently omitted to be sent when written. Appearances mend-give us a fair chance. |