John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 13 January 1779

Philadelphia 13 th . Jany 1779

Dear Rob t

Not a single Line have you rec d . from me since my arrival. This you may say does not look very friendly–€” I confess it: and what is more in my Favor feel it.

Business I know cannot excuse a total Silence, tho it may palliate a partial one. I wont plead it, for I never admitted it–€”nor do I now write merely to keep fair with my own Principles–€” Inclination, more than Consistency, prompts me on this occasion.

I presume your Legislature is by this Time convened. now is the Season for exertion. Attend regularly. Confirm those who esteem you and their Country–€”convert or confound those who would sacrifice either to private Views, and support the Govr. who I believe is a Friend to both.

Will any Consideration induce you to visit another Quarter of the Globe? I dont know that you will be called up, but am not sure that you may not. My Conduct will be greatly influenced by your Inclination. 1

I had almost persuaded myself to write a Letter to your Brother Ned, urging him to come to this College, and offering my Service to prepare the Way for his Reception: but as on Reflection I apprehended it might stimulate him to a measure in which perhaps his Mama or Brother might not concur I decline it for the present. 2 I cannot forbear however observing to you, that in my opinion his Genius and his Years call for a further Degree of Cultivation than can be obtained at Hurley. I wish to be useful to every Lad of Talents & Cleverness, and I assure You that Desire will always be encreased when those Recommendations are possessed by one, so nearly connected with a Gentleman & a Family, who have particular Claims to my Esteem & Respect–€” I am Dear Rob t Your Fr d & Serv t

John Jay

P.S. Dont be too lazy or too busy to tell me how you do.