John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 14 March 1779
Philadelphia 14 March 1779
Dear Rob t .
M r . Sands delivered me your Fav r . of the 4 th . Inst. Yesterday. 1 It gave me much Pleasure. The Length, the Subjects and the Spirit of it pleased ^ me ^ . Dont apologize for Egotisms, for I would much rather recieve them than not. Unless the Pain my last occasioned was severe, I dont regret it. That You have deserved well of your Country is agreed, and that you became latterly a little relaxed, is not disputable. You have never been thrown out or distanced in the Pursuit of Virtue, but like some Game Horses, you sometimes want a Whip. This is a coarse Simile– Friendship will pardon it.
That full Confidence which enduced You to think loud, flatters me; the like Return is due and shall be paid. but Letters in our Days are dangerous Conveyances of our Sentiments on many Subjects. I seldom write without adverting to the Consequences of a miscarriage, and hence the Reserve & Caution which mark all such of mine, as are trusted to common Carriers or doubtful Bearers.
The State of your Politics is much as I expected. I fear some of your Measures are more severe than Wisdom or Humanity will justify. Posterity will think dispassionately & probably condemn, especially when informed, that they were hastined, lest the Influence of Resentment should be lost. 2
My Silence on a certain Subject arose from reflecting that an Explanation ought not to be on Paper. The Probability of it turns on an [ illegible ] Event not yet determined. If I discern right, there will be Room.
A Genteel Suit of Cloaths, will cost a noble Price–we shall be exceedingly happy to see you. I hope your Visit will not be delayed longer than the Roads may render it necessary– Manage matters so as to stay at least a Month.– My best Respects to your Mama M rs . Livingston & the Rest of the Family. I am D r . Robert Your Friend & Serv t .
John Jay