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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
My dear Jay Philada. Novr. 24th. 1776. I expected long e'er this to have been seated quietly at home; but the Progress which the Enemy had made and seem'd likely to make into your Country, Induced me to suspend My Resolution which I came to several Months ago, and assist with the whole of my Power little enough God knows) a State which appear'd to be marked for Destruction. The Storm however has past over you; & tho' I have Reason to dread its bursting upon the Heads of my Countrymen I cannot but most sincerely congratulate you upon the Event. I wish you may improve the Time, and if you concur with me in Sentiment it will be improved in the following manner. Let Schuyler whose Reputation has been deeply wounded by the Malevolence of party Spirit irnmediately repair to Congress, & after establishing himself in the good opinion of his Countrymen, by a fair & open Enquiry into his Conduct, concert with the House such a Plan as he shall think will effectually secure all the upper Country of New York against the Attacks of the Enemy, which Plan being agreed to by the House, give him full Powers to effect it, & send him off with all possible Dispatch to carry it into Execution. Let Steps be taken to place real Obstructions in the North River at least in that part of it which can be commanded by Fort Montgomery & the other Fort in the High Lands. If these things be done & that soon, your Country I think will be safe, provided you establish a good Government, with a strong Executive. A pure Democracy may possibly do when patriotism is the ruling Passion, but when a State abounds in Rascals (as is the case with too many at this day) you must suppress a little of that Popular Spirit, vest the executive powers of Government in an individual that they may have Vigor, & let them be as ample as is consistent with the great Outline of Freedom. As several of the Reasons which operated against you, or Livingstons quitting your State are now removed, I think you would be of vast Service in Congress. You know that Body possesses its Share of human Weakness, & that it is not impossible for the Members of that House to have their Attention engrossed by Subjects which might as well be postponed for the present, whilst such as require Dispatch have been, I had almost said, neglected. This may be the case with the Measures which should be taken for the Defence of your State It is therefore your Interest & your Duty, if you are not prevented by some superior public Concern, to attend the House, & that soon; you have a Right to demand their attention, & I think they will give you early Assistance.
Every Intelligence from New York for the last ten Days convinces me that the Enemy are preparing to attack my State with a large Body of Troops. I shall take the Wings of the morning & hasten
Page 539
NOVEMBER 24, 1776
Link to date-related documents.
to my native home; where I shall endeavour to render my Country more Service in the Field that I have been able to render her in the Cabinet. I have therefore very little time to write, & have to lengthen this Letter. I could not however think of quitting this part of the Continent without writing you what appeared to me of Consequence, especially when I consider that it is probable, or at least possible, that this may be the last time I may have it in my power to give you any Evidence of my Affection. I shall add no more than that you have my best Wishes for your Happiness & that if I fall in the Defence of my Country, it will alleviate my Misfortune to think that it is in support of the best of Causes, & that I am esteem'd by one of the best of Men. God bless you. Adieu my Friend. Yours Sincerely. E. Rutledge
RC (NNC)
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