John Jay to Gouverneur Morris, 29 August 1778

White Plains 29 th . August 1778.

Dear Morris,

Your friendly letter of the 16 th . instant was delivered to me yesterday. 1 I am well apprized of the situation of the gentleman you mention, 2 and sincerely hope that his conduct may, on inquiry, be found such as to justify the opinion which I have long entertained of him. I wish for many reasons to have a personal interview with him. It will probably be long before the duties of my office will permit me to leave this state. Should he come into it, tell him I will on the earliest notice meet him at any place he may appoint.

It was natural for you to expect letters from me on a late occasion; 3 the Omission was not inadvertent. You shall one day know the reasons of it

Accept my thanks for your interposition and attention, nor apprehend a diminution of my friendship. Pray continue the history and inform me of the occurrences subsequent to the date of your letter.

It is uncertain who will be the bearer of this. To be more explicit therefore would be improper. I shall write to you often, and (what I do to scarce any one else) confidentially. A few social evenings with you would gratify me exceedingly, and I often wish to brighten the chain with your namesake M r . R Morris. Few men have more of my esteem. Make my compliments to him, and tell him some months have elapsed since I had the pleasure of receiving a line from him, although from the subject of my last I was particularly led to expect it. 4

M rs . Jay is now in Jersey, I hope and indeed believe in better health than usual–€” Adieu–€” I am with great truth Your friend

John Jay