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The Jay Treaty with England - Washington's response signed in type...



Item # 716334

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November 14, 1795

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795  

* George Washington letter
* re. John Jay's Treaty


The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and having such extensive relations, some diversity of opinion might be expected...", signed in type: Go. Washington
The front page also has: "Federal Ship News" which begins: "The good ship Federal Government, George Washington Commander, still prosecutes her voyage with safety and success...".
Page 3 notes: "Appointment. Elias Boudinot, Director of the Mint..." followed by a: "Statement of Coins made at the Mint of the United States". Page 2 has a letter from New York signed in type: John Jay.
Four pages, very nice condition.

AI notes: In his letter to the citizens of Georgetown regarding the Jay Treaty, George Washington expressed gratitude for their support while acknowledging the controversy the treaty had sparked across the nation. He emphasized that the treaty—negotiated to resolve lingering tensions with Britain after the Revolutionary War—was a complex matter involving delicate international considerations, and therefore bound to produce differing opinions. Washington underscored the importance of maintaining national unity and encouraged citizens to approach political disagreements with temperance and reason rather than division. He defended his decision to ratify the treaty by affirming that it was made after thorough deliberation and with the intention of preserving peace and safeguarding the young nation's interests. Through this letter, Washington not only sought to justify a contentious foreign policy move but also modeled the tone and responsibility expected of a leader in navigating public discourse and national decision-making.

Item from last month's catalog - #355, released for June, 2025

Category: The 1600's and 1700's