John Jay to Leonard Gansevoort, 5 June 1777

Kingston 5 th . June 1777–€”

Dear Sir

M r . Cuyler 2 informs me that some of my Friends in your County have done me the Honor of naming me among other Candidates for the office of Governor.

Your [ illegible ] ^ In my opinion I can be more useful in ^ of the Office ^ Place ^ I now hold; and ^ therefore ^ tho the other is far more respectable as well as lucrative, yet Sir! the Regard due to the public Good induces me to desire that I may [ illegible ] under those conditions ^ decline this Promotion ^

I thought it necessary that you & others should be informed of my Sentiments on this Subject, & it would give me Pleasure to hear that the Electors in your County ^ Albany ^ had united in Favor of ^ a Design of voting for one ^ Gentleman whose Spirit Abilities and reputation might recommend him to that important Office.

Our Constitution is universally approved even in New England where few New York Productions have Credit. but unless the Gov t is committed to proper Hands it will be weak & unstable at Home & contemptible abroad–€” For my own part I know of no person at present whom I w d . prefer to Gen. Schuyler. [ illegible ] Resolution of congress I am Dear Sir your most ob t & hble Serv t –€”

J. J.

Leonard Gansevoort Esq