Robert Troup to John Jay, 23 November 1778 [with draft of Jay to Troup]
Boston, Nov. 23 rd , 1778
My dear Sir,
Inclosed is a Letter which was sent to me, two Days ago, by M r . Samuel Nicoll, 1 who lately returned from England to New-York. He informs me that –it contains mercantile Matters of some Consequence tho of an old Date.– M r . Nicoll is a Brother of your old Acquaintance, Ned Nicoll, & went to Edingburgh, in the Beginning of the War, to perfect himself in the Knowlege of Physick.
The more I reflect upon my present Situation the more I see the absolute Necessity of altering it. The Disgusts, which I daily receive from the General, 2 fill me with the most painful Anxiety. The little Philosophy I learnt in the School of Adversity has been put to the severest Test; but it gloriously triumphed over my Passions. Prudential Motives alone have hitherto induced me to continue with the General. As these have no Influence, now the Campaign is ended, I expect to bid him a lasting addieu in a few Days. I wish the Evacuation of New-York may furnish me, at the same Time, with a Pretext for resigning my Commission, and returning to a more honorable private Station.
I still retain my Fondness for the Law, and am in Hopes that your Instructions, joined to a close Application, will enable me to practice it with some small Share of Eminence. I forbear being more particular, on this Head, because I promise myself the Happiness of seeing you before Christmas.
We are told by a French Gentleman, in Town, who arrived last Friday at Marblehead, in 54 Days from France, that the two Fleets under D–Orvilliers, and Keppel, after sailing a second Time; have retired into their respective Ports, without an Engagement. 3 The Count Destaing–s Destination remains a profound Secret. 4 I have Nothing else worth communicating to you. Pray remember me affectionately to M rs . Jay: and ask her to kiss Peter for me, if she has the saucy Rogue with her. Be pleased also to make my best Respects to your Father & the Family. I am, My dear Sir, Your steady & unalterable Friend,
Rob. Troup
M r . Chief Justice Jay
Philadelphia [8] Dec r 1778
D r . Troup
Your friendly Letter with ^ of the ^ 23 d . Ul t : with its Enclosures came safe to Hand Yesterday. As you expect to come this Way soon I write you a short Letter. I lament the Evils of w h . you complain and commend the Manner in w h . you bear them. Don–t despair–all will end well. Nullum numen absit si sit Prudentia 5 rely on my constant Endeavours to serve You. M rs . Jay is at Persipeney–her Health as usual neither very good or bad– The Boy is hearty– Your Inquiries ab t . them are obliging. Adieu. I am your Fr d .
J. J.