From John Jay to Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1785
To Thomas Jefferson
N York 9 Decr 1785
Dr Sr.
You will learn that a virulent att ^From^ the public papers which will go by the Packet you will percieve that a very indecent attack has been made upon me by a Mr Littlepage who was formerly in my Family & from whom I merit better things—1 It has so happened however that almost all the Enemies ^among^ the few Enemies I have the far greater Part are men on whom I have conferred great essential Benefits.
This young man does not ^stand^ single. I have no Reason to suspect that he is supported by more one than one single american, & that is ^a^ man with whom I am nearly connected & with whose Family I am nearly connected and a and to whom I have been very bountiful—2 but the It has been remarked to me from many Quarters that the Persons who have stood behind him in this Business are french men—what could have been their Views can only be matter of Conjecture—whatever may be the Sentiments of their Court respecting me I am persuaded that such Conduct will not recommend them to their Minister of whose good Sense and Respect for Propriety I
entertain to good an opinion to suppose that such Exertions of Zeal can meet with his approbation—
It is not has not escaped the notice of many that the sailing of the Packet has been delayed from several Days altho the wind was very fair, and that she is now to sail ^until^ tomorrow when a very abusive Publication agt. me will be now in the Press is to make its appearance early in the Morning—Whether this Delay was designed for that Purpose what Motives influenced this Delay is apparent to me from certain Circumstances not proper for me to mention because communicated to me in Confidence—
I shall send soon a Duplicate of ^this^ by a safe opportunity—3 if you recieve this dont fail to acknowledge the Rect of it ^please to inform me of it^ by the first opportunity—4 I know The perfect Confidence I have but in your Discretion & Honor render it unnecessary for me to ad make any observations at present on this Subject—^at^ present I am Dr Sr with great & sincere Esteem & Regard Your most obt. & very hble Servt
Dft, NNC (EJ: 6655). Endorsed. 9: 86–87.
1. See the Daily Advertiser (New York) for 6, 7, and 10 Dec. 1785, and, for the background, the editorial note “Louis Littlepage Redivivus,” above. Neil Jamieson also sent TJ copies of these publications ( 9: 193).
2. Henry Brockholst Livingston.
3. Letter not found. JJ evidently anticipated that his letter would be intercepted and read by French officials.
4. See TJ’s reply, 25 Jan. 1786, below.