[From R. R. Livingston.] "CLAREMONT, 30th July, 1784. "Permit me, my dear friend, to congratulate you on your return to your native shore, and to the friendly embraces of those who love you in every situation in which you have been or can be placed. My impatience to see you led me to New York about. three weeks since, where, from the time you had set for sailing, I thought it probable that you must have arrived before this. An unfortunate accident which has happened to my eldest daughter, who a few days ago broke her arm, obliges me to send you these cold expressions of my friendship, rather than comply with my wishes in offering them and receiving yours in person. Having, as I hope, concluded my political career, I have no other wish left but that of spending the remainder of my life with those who have contributed so much to the happiness of its gayest period. Whether you entertain the same moderate wishes, whether you content yourself with the politics of this State, or whether you will engage in the great field which Congress has again opened to you, I shall still have the consolation to reflect that seas do not roll between us, that I may sometimes see you and frequently hear from you. If you are not cured of your ambition, you have everything to hope for, both in the State and Continental line. I need not tell you that I only wish to know your objects that I may concur in them. "Believe me, dear John, "Most sincerely and warmly your friend, [To R. R. Livingston.] "NEW YORK, 18th August, 1784. "Your kind letter of 30th ult. was delivered to me yesterday by Mr. Lewis. I thank you very sincerely for your friendly congratulations on my return, and assure you that among the pleasures I have long promised myself from it, that of renewing our former intercourse and correspondence is not the least. I lament the unfortunate accident which has happened to your oldest daughter, and which has deprived me of the satisfaction of meeting you here. I have had, and have, so many applications about papers and business, respecting causes in which I was formerly concerned, that I shall be obliged to pass a fortnight or three weeks here. When it will be in my power to pay you a visit, is uncertain. I consider it as a pleasure to come, and shall endeavor to realize it as soon as possible. When I resigned my appointment in Europe I purposed to return to the practice of the law; what effect the unexpected offer of Congress, (of which I was ignorant until after my arrival here,) may have on that design as yet remains undecided. How far either of us have been or may be under the influence of ambition, are questions which, however clear to ourselves, must necessarily be less so to others. "Present my affectionate compliments to your mother, and Mrs. Livingston. Remember me to all the family, "Yours, sincerely, "JOHN JAY." |