From John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, 18 December 1786
To Robert R. Livingston
New York 18 Decr. 1786
Dr Robt.
The inclosed are Copies of Papers I recd. from the Presidt. of the Council of Maryland.1 Expecting the pleasure of seeing you here, I delayed my answer ’till Yesterday, when I wrote to the Presidt. that I would be an arbitrator in the Case mentioned in his Letter, if the Matter could be settled here. As he will be anxious to recieve your answer also, the sooner you write the more he will be pleased. I wish you may have no objection to being one—
My little Family are well—present my best wishes to Mrs. Livingston—Adieu Yr Friend
John Jay
the Hon’ble R. R. Livingston Esqr.
ALS, NHi: Livingston (EJ: 859). Endorsed.
1. On 26 Oct. 1786 Jeremiah Townley Chase wrote JJ and RRL, forwarding relevant papers indicating the state’s position that nothing could be done until some “able impartial characters” resolved the outstanding issues and requesting their acceptance of appointment as arbitrators. LbkC, MdHi. For the case in question, see Matthew Ridley to JJ, 22 Sept. 1786, above; and the editorial note “John Jay and Dutch Affairs,” and note 14, above. For the reply, see RRL to JJ, 27 Dec., below. In a letter to William Hindman of 29 Dec., JJ suggested the appointment of AH, should RRL decline to serve as arbitrator. Dft, NNC (EJ: 8862).