John Jay to George Clinton, 25 October 1779

on Board the Confederacy, near Reedy Island 25 Oct r . 1779–€”

Dear Sir

Be pleased to keep the Letters herewith enclosed, until good opportunities of sending them offer–€”

Since the Successes of General Sullivan against the six Nations, some People have affected to speake of that Country as a conquered one, and I should not be surprized if they should next proceed to insist that it belongs to the united States, by whose Arms it was won from independent Nations in the Course and by the Fortune of War.

Would it not be proper for New York to establish Posts in that Country, and in every respect treat it as their own–€” 1 in my opinion our State has had too much Forbearance about these Matters–€” Virginia, who has Claims & Rights under much the same Circumstances, manages differently–€” 2

My best Respects to M rs . Clinton. I am Dear Sir with great Regard & Esteem your most ob t Serv t .

John Jay

His Ex y Gov r . Clinton