John Jay to Edward Nicoll and Alexander McDougall, 17 February 1776
[Eliz. Town 17 Feb. 1776]
Dear Ned,
Your Letter 1 M r Averys Certificate 2 & M r Troup–s Information gave me much Satisfaction. You always shared my good Wishes, & I have often lamented, y r . putting it out of my power to be useful to you.
If you are not dec d . in y r . Opinion of the Stability & Permanence of y r . present Resolutions, you yet may be a respectable & usefull Member of Society. But remember that old Habits are not as easily put offas old Cloaths, & therefore I fancy you sh d . rather consider the Business of Reformation as began than compleated. If Religion was not out of Fashion I w d . tell you to watch, and pray that sh d . you again be led into temptation you may have a way to escape & be able to bear it.
Be so kind as to deliver a Letter M r . Troup will give you to Coll. MacDougal, & command any Services I can with propriety render you. As to any little Improprieties in y r . Conduct towards me–do as I have done–forget them. At least be assured that you cannot more effectually apologize for them, as by enabling me, by a proper Course of Conduct, to be not merely a well wisher, but a Friend to you. Adieu yours &
J. Jay
[Eliz. Town 17 Feb. 1776]
Sir
This Letter will be delivered to you by M r . Edw. Nicoll. An Early Acquaintance with him at College, an Opinion of his Abilities, and a Respect for the Memory of his Father unite in actuating me to consult his Interest & promote his welfare. It can be no secret to you that his Behaviour for many Years past has been reprehensible–he has several Times attempted Reformation but never succeeded, unless at present. M r . Avery at Rye to whose certificate M r . Nicoll will shew you a Certificate from M r . Avery in his Favor–I think it merits Respect, & induces me to hope M r . Nicoll has at Length began to make use of the good Sense with w h . Providence has blessed him. He has a mind for ^ is desirous of ^ a Commission in one of the Reg ts . now to [be] raised in N.York–I am persuaded no Argum ts . will be wanting ^ necessary ^ to his prevail upon you to procure him some Commission. That ^ W h . tho of no great Consequence ^ may for the present to ^ serve to ^ put him in a State of Probation– And Should he stand the Tryal It will [endeavour ?] to obtain ^ for ^ him some ^ will encourage ^ his Friends to recommend & advance him with great Confidence. I wont press you to attend to this Matter because I know M r . Nicoll will find a Successful ^ Better ^ Advocate in your Benevolence & Sensibility. I am Sir your Fr d & very hble Serv t
J. J.