John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 29 May 1776

[New York,] 29 May 1776

Dear Robert,

The Pleasure I expected from meeting ^ a Junction of ^ our little Families at Bristol has vanished. Doct r Bard tells me the Waters there are not adapted would be injurious to Mrs. Jays Complaints, so that I shall again take a solitary Ride to Philadelphia whenever the Convention who have directed me to abide here till their further Order, shall think proper to dismiss me.

I wish I could have it had been in my power to have met you at Bristol at the time you mentioned, 1 but Mrs. Jay has was then so exceeding ill that Doct r Bard was sent for, She is now thank God so much better as to leave her Room, and unless some unfortunate Relapse should happen is I hope in a fair way of recovering her former Health.

Messrs. Alsop and Lewis set out next Saturday for Philadelphia. Mr. Duane informs me that he is about to return home, and considering how long he has been absent from his Family I think him intitled to that Indulgence. I pray God that your Health may enable you to attend prett constantly, at least till it may be in my Power to relieve you–€” 2 Is Mr. Clinton returned?

Our Convention will I believe institute a better Government than the present which in my opinion will no longer work any Thing but Mischief; and Altho the Measure of obtaining Authority by Instructions have ^ may have ^ its Advocates, I have Reason to think that such a Resolution will be taken as will open a Door to ^ the ^ Election of new or additional Members. Of this I sh But be the Resolution what it may, you shall have the earliest Advice of it. And should my Conjectures prove right, I shall inform the Members of Dutches of your Readiness to serve, and advise them to elect you 3

Benson is not yet come to Town. Your Caution on Attention to this Subject was proper, and I will second it.

Dont be uneasy at recieving so few Letters from me–€”I have ^ been ^ so distressed by the Ill Health of my Wife & Parents, that I have ^ scarce ^ written any Thing. I am Dear Robert, Your aff t F d .

J. J.