John Jay to John Vardill, 24 September 1774

[Philadelphia 24 Sept r . 1774]

Dear Vardill

The Rec t . of your Letter (which M r Laight kindly forwarded to this Place) was exceedingly grateful to me. 1 I am so attached to my old friends that I feel myself interested in all that concerns them, & am always happy in hearing of their Welfare

I am much obliged to you for the political Hints contained in your Letter: I wish they had as much Influence on others as they have upon me. The Indignation of all Ranks of People is very much caused by the Boston & Canada Bills. 2 God knows how the Contest will end. I sincerely wish it may terminate in a lasting Union with Great Britain. I am obliged to be very reserved on this Subject by the Injunction of Secrecy laid on all the Members of the Congress. 3 and tho I am aware of the Confidence I might repose in your Prudence, I must nevertheless submit to the Controul of Honour perhaps on this occasion too delicate. By the next opportunity I hope I shall be able to be more explicit. you may then expect my Sentiments at large.

I thank you for the Attention you pay to certain other matters. Nothing in your Letter pleases me more than the Circumstance of your returning to us in the Spring–€”

Pray inform me whether you ever ^ see or ^ hear of my Broth James Where is he, what is he doing? We have rec d . no Letters from him for some Time past. be so kind as to forward the inclosed to him–€” 4 Adieu my dear Vardill I am your Friend

John Jay