John Jay to the President of the New York Provincial Congress (Nathaniel Woodhull), 26 November 1775

[Philad. 26 Nov r . 1775]

Sir:

I have the honour of transmitting to you the enclosed Resolutions of Congress relative to the Island of Bermuda. 1

We have not yet had the Pleasure of hearing that you had made a House, and are not without some Anxiety on that head. In a few days we shall write you collectively, and should be glad frequently to be informed of the State of the Province.

The New England Exploit is much talked of, and Conjectures are numerous as to the Part the Convention will take relative to it. 2 Some consider it as an ill Compliment to the Governm t . of the Province, and prophesy that you have too much christian Meekness to take any Notice of it. For my own part, I dont approve of the Feat, and think it neither argues much Wisdom nor much Bravery–€”At any Rate, If it was to have been done, I wish our own People and not strangers had taken the Liberty of doing it. I confess I am not a little jealous of the Honor of the Province, and am persuaded that its Reputation cannot be maintained without some little Spirit being mingled with its Prudence–€”I am Sir with Respect & Esteem, Your most ob t . Serv t

John Jay