From John Jay to Richard Hatfield, 8 November 1800
To Richard Hatfield
Albany, 8th November, 1800.
Sir,
Being engaged with company this evening, when the committee appointed by the respectable meeting of Citizens from various parts of the State, of which you was chairman, presented to me their address, I could only return them a verbal answer.1 But it appears to me proper to answer it in writing, as well as evince my respect, as that my Sentiments on the subject may be the better ascertained.
In the Sincerity of the assurances with which they honor me, I have perfect confidence; they have heretofore been verified by uniform manifestations of esteem and attachment, which I shall always remember with grateful Sensibility.
The Period is now nearly arrived, at which I have for many years intended to retire from the cares of public life, and for which I have for more than two years been preparing. Not perceiving after mature Consideration, that any duties require me to postpone it, I shall retire accordingly; but I shall retain and cherish the warmest affection for my country, as well as the esteem which I entertain for many, and the good will which I bear to all my fellow-citizens.
On this occasion, various reflections croud into my mind; but I doubt the utility, under existing circumstances, of expressing them. Time and experience will correct many errors, which ought not to have been introduced into public opinion; What the price of that experience may be, cannot be foreseen.
They who are convinced that our constitutions ought to be maintained inviolate, and that the rights of persons and of property cannot be preserved without government constituted with power, and administered with determination, to secure them, will2 steadfastly oppose whatever may have a contrary tendency
It ought not to be expected, that parties will never be intemperate;3 but overbearing intemperance or violence in individual leaders, ought never to appall or inflame good citizens. On the contrary, such violations of propriety should be met with temper and moderation, as well as with increased union and firmness.
I declare to you explicitly, that in my opinion we ought to resist Innovations, to adhere to our constitutions and governments, to give them a fair trial, and to amend them from time to time, according to the dictates of experience, and not according to the views of demagogues, or the visions of theorists.4 I have the honor to be, With great respect, Sir, Your most obedient servant,
JOHN JAY.
The Hon. Richard Hatfield, Esq. Chairman.
PtD, Albany Register, 18 Nov. 1800. Reprinted: Commercial Advertiser (New York), 18 Nov.; New-York Gazette, and Daily Advertiser (both New York), 19. Nov.; Massachusetts Mercury (Boston), 21 Nov.; Connecticut Courant (Hartford) (supplement), 24 Nov.; Independent Gazetteer (Worcester), 25 Nov; Connecticut Gazette (New London), 26 Nov.; National Intelligencer (Washington, D. C.), 26 Nov.; American Mercury (Hartford), 27 Nov.; Universal Gazette (Washington, D. C.), 27 Nov.; Middlesex Gazette (Middletown), 28 Nov.; United States Oracle (Portsmouth), 29 Nov. 1800; E, Gazette of the United States (Philadelphia), 19 Nov.; Newburyport Herald, 21 Nov.; Federal Gazette (Baltimore), 22 Nov.; Columbian Courier (New Bedford), 28 Nov.; Jenks’ Portland Gazette, 1 Dec.; Norwich Packet, 2 Dec.; Maryland Herald (Hagers-Town), 4 Dec.; Green Mountain Patriot (Peacham), 11 Dec. 1800; WJ, 1: 419–20; HPJ, 4: 278–80; DftS, NNC (EJ: 09014), the Dft contains several excisions, only some of which are noted here.
Richard Hatfield (1750–1813) of White Plains, served as county clerk, 1777–1801, delegate to the state convention for ratifying the U.S. Constitution, state assemblyman, 1793–94, state senator from the Southern District, 1794–1803, and as a member of the Council of Appointment in 1795.
1. On 8 Nov., a number of New York Federalists convened in Albany for the purpose of requesting that JJ stand for election for a third term as governor. Hatfield served as chair for the proceedings. The attendees approved the following address:
Albany, 8th November, 1800.
Sir,
AT a large and respectable meeting of citizens from various parts of the state now assembled, I am instructed to address your excellency on their behalf, and to state that, strongly impressed with the conviction that the same uniform propriety of conduct, weal and assiduity to promote the public zeal and interest of your country, which have so eminently distinguished you in your various public functions before the administration of the government of this state was conferred on you, have unremittingly been exerted during your administration, they feel themselves impelled by a wish for the felicity of their fellow-citizens and a sense of gratitude to you, to entreat you once more to suffer your self to be held up as a candidate for the chair of government: assuring you, Sir, that their best exertions will be they are persuaded, are in coincidence with all such of their fellow citizens who duly appreciate the important results of a wise impartial and virtuous chief magistrate of the state. With these, and every other sentiment of esteem and respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s obedient servant,
RICHARD HATFIELD, Ch’m.
His Ex. John Jay, Esq.
PtD, Commercial Advertiser (New York), 18 Nov.; Daily Advertiser, Mercantile Advertiser, New-York Gazette, and Spectator (all New York), 19 Nov.; Philadelphia Gazette, 19 Nov.; Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy (Worcester), 19 Nov.; Massachusetts Mercury (Boston), 21 Nov.; Connecticut Courant (Hartford), 24 Nov.; Independent Gazetteer (Worcester), 25 Nov.; Salem Gazette, 25 Nov.; Connecticut Gazette (New London), 26 Nov.; National Intelligencer (Washington, D.C.), 26 Nov.; Farmer’s Monitor (Litchfield), 26 Nov.; American Mercury (Hartford), 27 Nov.; Universal Gazette (Washington, D.C.), 27 Nov.; Herald of the United States (Warren), 28 Nov.; Middlesex Gazette (Middletown), 28 Nov.; Norwich Packet, 2 Dec. 1800.
2. Here, in the Dft, JJ excised “remain steadfast to these objects”.
3. Here, in the Dft, JJ excised “and sometimes violent”.
4. Here, in the Dft, JJ wrote “on this Head much might be said; but in Seasons like the present, Truth and Admonition seldom make strong or general Impressions.”