[NEW YORK CITY]. JAY, JOHN. Official copies of two letters from Jay, New York Stated Governor, to Maj. Genl. M. Clarkson and others, Albany, 4 January 1797 and 14 June 1798 plus transcripts of 2 letters to Jay from Philip Van Cortlandt, Philadelphia, 26 December 1796 and from John Beckley, 16 December 1796. Together 5 pages, 4to and folio, minor defects, the letter of 14 June 1790 with JAY'S AUTOGRAPH DOCKET: "copy To General Clarkson..." plus date. An interesting file, probably assembled by Jay, concerning a study of and improvements in the defenses of New York harbor. Beckley's letter contains the text of a Congressional Resolution launching an inquiry "into the actual state of the Fortifications and Harbours"; Van Cortlandt is designated a member of the Committee. Jay instructs Clarkson, concurring that New York's "present expos'd & defenceless Situation affords just cause of Alarm," suggesting two engineers who might make the investigation, and urging the legislature be convened to consider the problem. The concern undoubtedly was the result of worsening relations with France, the so-called "Quasi-War." (5)