John Jay to Frederick Jay, 16 September 1779

Philadelphia 16 September 1779

Dear Fady

Your obliging Letter with the Parcel of Tobacco–€”which came with it arrived Yesterday–€”

I am now to inform you that I have resigned the Office of Chief Justice, and that if the State ^ sh d ^ incline to keep me here, I shall consent to stay, provided either you or Sir James will be in Circumstances to ^ undertake ^ to attend ^ constantly ^ to our good old Father & his unfortunate Family, otherwise I shall at all Events return for that Purpose–€” 1 S r . James has his Doubts respecting his future Destination–€” ^ & therefore his Return is precarious at present ^ where your Objects may lead you ^ is ^ uncertain, & but of this he would not chuse to have known–€” When your ^ I wish to know ^ without Delay ^ the Result of your Reflections on this Subject –€” Should you succeed with Wadsworth, I think you would then be in Capacity to serve them as well [as] ever–€” 2 If you live on Harris–€™s Farm you will not–€” Make up your Mind on this Subject ^ Matter ^ –€”if you find you cannot pay necessary Attention to Fish Kill–€”prevent my Election, & let me know your Intention by the first Opportunity–€”

Sally joins with me in Love & Compl ts . to Peggy & you ^ Thank Peter for the Tobacco, Sally joins me in our Love to you all ^ I am Dear Fady Your very aff Brother

Fred k . Jay Esq r .