John Jay to American Commissioners, January 14, 1785

Office for Foreign Affairs New York 14th. January 1785

Gentlemen,

On the 21st. Ultimo I accepted the Place of Secretary for foreign Affairs. All the foreign letters which had been received during the recess of Congress were then and are still in the hands of a Committee to whom they had been referred—none have since arrived.— 5

The adjournment from Trenton to this Place necessarily occasioned delay in business— 6 Congress yesterday made a House, and I expect that some of these more important measures will soon be matured. By the next opportunity I flatter myself with having the pleasure of writing to you more particularly. Judges are nominated and will doubtless be appointed to decide the interfering claims of Massachusetts and New York. 7 Advices just received give reason to apprehend an attack of the Cheroquees on Kentucky, a settlement which encreases with a degree of rapidity scarcely credible. 8 It is rumored but not ascertained that the Spaniards encourage them.—

I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obt. & hum. servt.

John Jay

To the Honorable John Adams, Benjn. Franklin & Thos. Jefferson Esqrs.