John Jay to Alexander McDougall, 23 December 1775

[Ph. 23 Dec r . 1775]

Dear Sir

Since writing my last to You, I find the Congress will not adjourn even for the Holy days, They have not indeed so determined but that seems to be the opinion of the majority of the members 1

Where does M r . Alsop 2 stay–€”should any Thing happen to one of us the Colony would be unrepresented. For my Part I wish some of the absent Gent. would return, we but just make a Quorum–€”Did not this Circumstance forbid my leaving the Congress I would pay you a short Visit during the Session of the Convention–€”What has become of Queens & Richmond? 3 Rival Governments or Governors are Solecisms in Politics–€”

It appears to me prudent that you should begin to impose light Taxes–€”rather with a View to Precedent than Profit–€”suppose salt Petre Wool or Yarn should be rec d . in Paym t .–€”I think such a measure would tend to encourage Manufactures. They are essential to the Support of the Poor, and Care should be taken to encrease materials for them–€”The People of this Place are amazingly attentive to this Object–€”it keeps People easy & Quiet–€”by being employed they gain Bread–€”And when our Fellow Mortals are busy & well fed, they forget to complain–€”I hope your Convention will leave a Com e . of Safety. Adieu. Yours most sincerely

John Jay