John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 24 December 1779

Martinico–€”Fort Royal 24 Dec r . 1779

Dear Rob t .

My Letters from S t . Pierre a few Days ago will inform you of the Misfortunes that drove us here. 1

Mons r . Le Mothe Piquet was yesterday so obliging as to order the Aurora a french Frigate of 36 Guns to carry us to France, and we are to sail on Tuesday next–€” 2 so that we hope before the month of March to take Leave of the Ocean, to whose Civilities we are not half so much indebted as to the Politeness of the People of this place ^ Island ^ .

The Cypher I sent you has I fear become useless. It is a Circumstance which I regret, as it deprives me of an opportunity of communicating some Things which I would not wish every body to know. If before our Departure a Leisure Hour should occur, I will form and send You another. The Time allotted for our sailing is very short, but it seems particular Reasons render it proper and we must be the more industrious in preparing–€” God bless You. I am Dear Rob t Your Friend

John Jay

The Honble Rob t R Livingston Esq r