Lewis Morris to John Jay, 14–17 April 1777

Phi a April 14 th [–€“17] 1777

Dear Jay

I did not until this day receiv–€™d yours of 12 March. 1 I have wrote by almost every opportunity and shall continue so to do as long as I remain at this Place–€”just now we had an alarm that the Enemy where coming up the river, I hope and wish the People of this State may act like men–€” A few days ago I made a Motion in Congress that the Congress should direct to be immediately made an Elegant Standard, and on the aproach of the Enemy they should Erect it, and that the Motto should be Conquer or Die, however they did not Seem to like it, in my opinion it would ^ have ^ had a good effect–€” 2 I am Sorry to Say our army is exceeding weak And I was some time ago for establishing a general and indiscriminate Ballote throughout all the the States without any Respect to Rank Sect of Religion or Profession whatsoever, they seem now to be about doing Something of the kind 3 and I hope when peace comes we shall not have our farms far apart I am Sure we shall be happy and be good neibours, Aurora did not prove with foale and M r Lawrence has Sold her for two hundred pound, I think you have made Cap t Platt 4 a present of the half of your horse, I am sure he would fetch £150 or more if he was here, Bay Richmond is much admired and I have been offered one thousand pounds. I said my Price was two, he covers here at 20 Dollars the Season, and if Howe does not drive us away he will have a great many Mares–€” April 17 th . nine Sail of men of war now in this river, Yesterday an account came up that they had burnt a large Ship belonging to Some Merch ts bound out Yest last night Levingston and Duane 5 came here I shall Set of[f] Soon for Esopus inclosed you have a Letter I wrote you Some time ago, it was a long time at Morristown and came back again, I Send to Shew that I have not neglected to write My best regards to all friends Yours most Sincerely

Lewis Morris

To John Jay Esq r