John Jay to George Clinton, 18 August 1779

Ph a . 18 th . Aug t 1779

Dear Sir

I send you two Sets of the Journals of Congress–€”two acts of the Legislature of Virg a . one for establishing a Land office & c . the other laying a Tax payable in Certain enumerated Commodities 1 –€”four news Papers from the 5 to the 17 th : Aug Ins t inclusive–€”3 Parcel–€™s of German ones–€”and an Essay on Trade and Finance by Pelatiah Webster–€” 2 There are also enclosed with this Letter, two from for my Brother, ^ Fred k . & one for the Chancellor ^ which I take the Liberty of committing to your Care–€”

M r . Duane, who set out from hence Yesterday ^ last Monday , ^ will give you satisfactory information on every Subject of public Importance here . ^ much interesting Information ^ . M r . Morris expects will also be with you soon. I should have written by M r Duane but Want of Leisure as well as want of Health prevented me–€”

M r . Morris will explain to you very fully the steps which in our Opinion are necessary to be pursued respecting the Grants–€” I therefore Forbear saying any Thing on that Subject now. 3

The Exertions of our State have placed her in a very respectable point of View here , and permit me to tell you that your March to the Highlands has given occasion to many handsome things being said and written of you here 4

In my Letter to the Chancellor is enclosed a Resignation of my office–€”say nothing of it till you see him. 5 You will find no Reasons assigned for this Measure–€”to you they would be unnecessary–€” Altho I shall soon return to private life, it will be with a Determination (as long as ^ during ^ this Conflict) lasts; to quit it whenever my Country shall call me from it, and afford & while out of it afford me Subsistence; and that in any Place or Station except the Senate–€” I shall by no means ^ It will be with a Determination not to ^ shrink from the Duties of a Citizen but shall be ready to serve the People of New York . During the Contest ^ continuance ^ of the present Contest I ^ have always ^ consider d the public as being entitled to my ^ time & ^ Services–€”my best respects to M rs . Clinton. I am dear Sir very sincerely Yours &c.

J. J.

His Excel y . Gov r . Clinton