John Jay to Alexander McDougall, 13 March 1776

[Philad. 13. March 1776]

Dr. Sir

Had your Letter 1 been sent by the Post it would ere this have come to my Hands. I am now retired to the Lobby to answer it without Delay. I have many things to say to you and upon many Subjects. The enclosed Articles will furnish Answers to the Questions you ask relative to Seamans Wages &. A Model of a Pike shall be sent you–€” 2 The Resolution of Congress restraining military officers from offering oaths by Way of Test to the Inhabitants I hope has reached you. I cant account for your Convention–€™s submitting to this usurpation on the Rights of their Constituents–€”to impose a Test is a sovereign Act of Legislation–€”and when the army become our Legislators, the People that Moment become Slaves. 3 I must conclude–€”And am D r S r Your Friend & hble Serv t

John Jay