John Jay to Alexander McDougall, 13 December 1775

[Philad: 13 Dec r . 1775]

Dear Sir

Your Letter of the 8 th . Inst. 1 is now before me. did you know how much Satisfaction a Line from you gives me, you would not think of apologizing for the frequency of your Letters. I am much obliged to you for your Hints respecting the Command of a certain Post. 2 They are useful and will determine my Conduct, tho some folks here may not coincide with me in opinion. I must confess that I think the Station might be better filled, and wished it consisted with the Interest of the Province to take you from the Convention &c. but as I am sure such a measure would be highly impolitic and imprudent, it must be declined

I am very glad to hear that the Convention begins to think of us, and am in daily Expectation of hearing from them on the subject I wish they would lessen the Number of Delegates–€”it would diminish the Expence, without injuring the Interest of the Colony. As I cant confer with you on this Subject, the matter must be entirely submitted to your Discretion–€”it is too delicate to trust to the uncertain Fate of a Letter–€” 3

Pray does the Convention mean to take up the New England Expedition? I really think they should thank Connecticut for the Aid they afforded West Chester–€”and complain loudly of the late improper Incursion–€”The Honor of the Colony is at Stake & the Convention is now the only Guardian of it–€” 4 Adieu. I am with great Sincerity your friend

John Jay

You forget your Accounts!