Details
JAY, John. Autograph letter signed ("John Jay") TO ROBERT MORRIS in Congress, Fish Kills [New York], 2 December 1776. DOCKETED BY MORRIS, small seal tear and small tears to folds on panel, otherwise fine.
DEFENDING JAMES DUANE: "I WISH SOME AMERICAN ST. PATRICK WOULD ARISE, AND CLEANSE THOSE FAIR ABODES OF LIBERTY"
An excellent war-date letter from Jay to his colleague in Congress, defending James Duane's loyalty to the American cause, which some had questioned: "...I am exceedingly hurt at the wicked attack made on Mr Duane. Envy Hatred Malice and all Uncharitableness must have conspired in producing it. Whatever suspicions some folks might entertain of his political conduct from his opposition to certain Men & Measures, I am convinced he has maintained no correspondence with the Enemy...Such a Tale can neither gain Credit or Currency, but with men, who may wish his Ruin...and I heartily wish some american St. Patrick would arise, and cleanse those fair abodes of Liberty, not only of Vipers Toads & noxious Reptiles; but also of Parricides, Traitors, and insidious dark designing Iagos, more to be feared than all the Venom of the whole brute Creation." He concludes by asking Morris to present his compliments to "my old Friends at Congress. I congratulate those from Maryland on the Gallant Behavior of their Troops..." (several Maryland regiments had distinguished themselves in the recent American defeat in the Battle of Long Island). "God bless you, and give the Congress Grace to remain at Philadelphia till the very last Extremity."
Duane (1733-1797), an eminent New York attorney, was elected to the Continental Congress in 1774. One of the most conservative delegates, he was a firm opponent of independence, but remained in Congress and served on several key Committees. He made many bitter enemies among delegates, however, whom Jay excoriates here. In 1781 these accusations became public and it was only through the public testimonials of Jay, Alexander McDougall, William Floyd and other delegates that Duane was allowed to resume his seat. He continued in Congress until the end of the war, helped draft the Articles of Confederation, and later served as New York Mayor and as a Federal judge.
DEFENDING JAMES DUANE: "I WISH SOME AMERICAN ST. PATRICK WOULD ARISE, AND CLEANSE THOSE FAIR ABODES OF LIBERTY"
An excellent war-date letter from Jay to his colleague in Congress, defending James Duane's loyalty to the American cause, which some had questioned: "...I am exceedingly hurt at the wicked attack made on Mr Duane. Envy Hatred Malice and all Uncharitableness must have conspired in producing it. Whatever suspicions some folks might entertain of his political conduct from his opposition to certain Men & Measures, I am convinced he has maintained no correspondence with the Enemy...Such a Tale can neither gain Credit or Currency, but with men, who may wish his Ruin...and I heartily wish some american St. Patrick would arise, and cleanse those fair abodes of Liberty, not only of Vipers Toads & noxious Reptiles; but also of Parricides, Traitors, and insidious dark designing Iagos, more to be feared than all the Venom of the whole brute Creation." He concludes by asking Morris to present his compliments to "my old Friends at Congress. I congratulate those from Maryland on the Gallant Behavior of their Troops..." (several Maryland regiments had distinguished themselves in the recent American defeat in the Battle of Long Island). "God bless you, and give the Congress Grace to remain at Philadelphia till the very last Extremity."
Duane (1733-1797), an eminent New York attorney, was elected to the Continental Congress in 1774. One of the most conservative delegates, he was a firm opponent of independence, but remained in Congress and served on several key Committees. He made many bitter enemies among delegates, however, whom Jay excoriates here. In 1781 these accusations became public and it was only through the public testimonials of Jay, Alexander McDougall, William Floyd and other delegates that Duane was allowed to resume his seat. He continued in Congress until the end of the war, helped draft the Articles of Confederation, and later served as New York Mayor and as a Federal judge.