Frederick Jay to John Jay, 16 March 1776

New York, 16 th. March: 1776

Dear Jack.

Yours of the 10 th Int. I have now before me–€” 1 I received a letter from Papa yesterday, by which I find that he is better tho very weak–€”you may depend that if he does grow worse I shall acquaint you of it–€”I should have returned to Rye long ere this, but having a cargoe from Curacao, was obliged to stay–€” 2 Have sold all off & put £300 in my Pocket–€”the First Cost was £288..10..6–€”good business–€”but times are such at present as deters me from order g. any thing more. This Day our Militia turned out with great Spirit–€”they are throwing up Entrenchments–€”at the Hospital–€”Byards Mount–€”at the Furnace–€”Pecks Slip–€”Beekmans Slip–€”Ten Eycks wharf–€”Back of the Governors House & several other Places–€”Never did People in the world Act with more Spirit & Resolution than the New Yorkers does at this present time.

I have purchased Linnen for Gussey–€” M rs. M. has wrote to him to come & live with her. the Letter I have stopped–€”& wrote to G: not to think of it at any rate. I shall settle with the man to whom you paid the light money to–€”

Your Desk & c. are getting ready for their Destination–€” I shall take [ done ?] all the Care of Gussey that I can . I am affraid he–€™ll be troublesome–€”I think a Letter from you would have a good Effect. By his Letters to me G thinks him inclined [to pay the money?] I have wrote to him on the Subject–€”Your Boy is Hearty–€”The old man longs to see him. [ illegible ] 3 I am just going out of Town which obliges me to Conclude; Dear Jack Your aff: Bro r

Fr. Jay.

P.S. Cannot the Bedford Lands be divided with t. an act of Assembly–€”Go v C. tells me they cannot–€”I am not of the same opinion. Several has applied about them.