John Jay to Philip Schuyler, 26 February 1778

[26 Feb. 1778]

Dear Sir

As an opportunity of my going will probab of going to Albany will not probably be given me during the Session of the Legislature, & as I have too long kept you in Suspense relative to the farm you was so kind as to offer me, I must ought now to inform ^ acquaint ^ You that I am under a Necessity of declining denying myself the Pleasure of being your Neighbour. My Fathers Infirmities Health ill State of Health Infirmities have so increased as to render his ^ as to render a ^ Removal to so great a Distance almost impractic thereby rendered ^ Saratogah ^ so inconvenient & painful if practicable, that he cannot prevail upon himself to undertake it. So that my Dear Sir filial Piety ^ obligations ^ will constrain ^ me ^ to continue in his neighbourhood–€” 1 He bid me assure you that he is greatly obliged by your ^ this instance your ^ friendly Attention ^ offer ^ , & believe me it will ever excite the gratitude of your obliged & aff t Friend & Serv t –€”

J Jay