From John Jay to George Clinton, 18 October 1784
To George Clinton
New York, 18 Octr 1784
Dr Sir
You may remember that Peter V Schaack Esqr. was among those [illegible] to whom the Comrs. charged with the Execution of ^the^ act respecting Persons of doubtful political Characters tendered the Oath prescribed by it, and which he declined taking—1 He apprehends that his Return to this Country is opposed by that Circumstance and fears that the obstacle arising from it cannot be otherwise erased than by ^that^ an act of the Legislature for the Purpose ^may be necessary to authorize it^ There are indeed other Circumstances which favor an opposite ^different^ opinion, such as his being on Parole at the Time, & his being afterwards exchanged by yr. Exy by virtue of Powers vested in you for the ^such^ Purpose, but as this is a Subject ^[illegible]^ ^matter^ on wh. you can ^have perfect Information & can^ determine with more certainty, I must request ^request^ the Favor of your Exy to inform him thro’ me whether He may consider himself at Liberty to return to this Country without being exposed to the Penalties of that act—the my early Friendship for that Gentn. and the good opinion I entertain of him will I flatter myself apol^og^ize for this application— I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem yr Exy most obt. & hble Servt
Dft, NNC (EJ: 7626). Endorsed.
1. For Van Schaack’s refusal to take the oath during the Revolution, see : 318–19. Van Schaack was reluctant to return to New York before his legal status was clarified, as he wrote JJ on 6 July 1784, ALS, NHi: Misc. Mss., Van Schaack, Peter (EJ: 902); , 376–78. See Clinton’s reply, 8 Nov. 1784, below.