John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 3 January 1779

Philadelphia 3 d January 1779 7 (Duplicate)

Dear Sir,

I have the Honor of transmitting to You the enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 23 rd Ult o . 1

Being ignorant of the Gentlemen mentioned in it, and all Information respecting them, having been received by Congress prior to my Arrival, I applied to the Secretary 2 for the necessary Intelligence–€” He this moment sent me a Note on the Subject in the following words–€”viz t :

–€œM r : Erkelins is a Gentleman from Holland, who resides in Connecticut–€” He has kept up, for some time, a Correspondence in Holland, for the purpose of reconciling the People in Power to the views of America, and to prepare them for entering into commercial Engagements with America, and assisting her with a loan. 3 This Correspondence he has shewn to Governor Trumbull, who has approved the same, and written several times to Congress in his favor. 4 As he has not had any Advices lately, he has engaged Colonel Diricks, who is, it is said, connected with some of the first families in Holland, to go home in Order to promote his views–€”–€ 5

You will also find enclosed a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 1 st . Inst: on the Subject of an Expedition against Canada, a Plan for which had been before concerted, but is now deferred–€” 6

Be pleased, Sir, to accept the Compliments of the Season, and my best wishes for your Health & happiness–€” I have the Honor to be Sir With great Respect & Esteem, Your most Obed t . & most Hble Serv t :

John Jay President

The Honorable Doctor Franklin–€”