Jay, John (1745-1829) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03043 Author/Creator: Jay, John (1745-1829) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 August 1784 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 22.7 x 18.6 Order a Copy
States he received a letter from General Henry Knox asking "whose map of the River St. Croix was used as an authority by the ministers who negotiated the Peace." Knox asked that Jay send his answer to General Lincoln. Jay says that the map was one compiled by Mitchel and believes that it only showed one river with the name St. Croix. Concedes that there may be more than one river with that name but thinks the river included in the peace treaty can be answered by this map.
New York 17 Augt. 1784
Sir
I have just been honored with a Letter from General Knox of the 29 ult, requesting to be informed "whose map of the River St. Croix was used as an authority by the ministers who negociated the Peace" and desiring me to address my answer to You. This Letter arrived during my absence in the Country, from whence I returned the Day before Yesterday.
The map, which the ministers used, and on which they schetched the Boundary Lines of the united States, was a large map compiled by Mitchel; and if I remember right he lays down [strikeout] but one River of the name of St. Croix.
Altho' there may [inserted: in fact] be several Rivers of that name, yet as the only point which can be in question is, which of them was intended by the Treaty, I think the matter may be easily decided by that map, especially if it mentions but one River of that name, which I believe is the case -
I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem
Sir
your most obt. & very h'ble servt
John Jay -
Majr. Gen. Lincoln
[address leaf]
N-York * Aug: 26
Maj.r General Lincoln 3. 8.
Boston
[docket]
From John Jay Esqr
7 Augt 1784
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