Jay, John (1745-1829) to Alexander McDougall
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07489 Author/Creator: Jay, John (1745-1829) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 March 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 32 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Encloses articles (not present) in reply to McDougall's questions about Seamans wages. Informs that a model of a pike will be sent to him. Hopes that he has received word of the resolution of Congress restraining military officers from offering oaths to inhabitants as a test. Remarks, " ... to impose a Test is a sovereign Act of Legislation - and when the Army becomes our Legislators, the People that moment become Slaves."
At this time, John Jay was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. McDougall was an American seaman, merchant, and leader from New York City during the Revolutionary War. He served as a Major General in the Continental Army, and as a delegate to the Continental Congress. After the war he was the president of the first bank in the state and served a term in the New York state senate.
Dr. Sir
Had your Letter been sent by the Post it would ere this have come to my Hands. I am now retired to the Lobby to answer it without Delay. I have many things to say to you and upon many Subjects. The enclosed articles will furnish answers to the Questions you ask relative to Seamans Wages &. A Model of a Pike shall be sent you -The Resolution of Congress restraining military officers from offering oaths by way of Test to wc Inhabitants I hope has reached [inserted: you]. I cant account for your Convention's - submitting to this usurpation on the Right of their Constituents - to impose a Test is a sovereign Act of Legislation - and when the Army become our Legislators, the People that moment become Slaves - I must conclude -
And am Dr Sr
Your friend & hble Servt
Philad. 13. March 1776 John Jay -
[address leaf]
To
Coll.l Alexandor Mc. Dougall
in
New York
[free frank]
J. Jay
[docket]
John Jay's 13th
march 1776.
(77)
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