University of Virginia Library

4078. JAY TREATY, Execrable.—

I join
with you in thinking the treaty an execrable
thing. But both negotiators must have understood,
that, as there were articles in it
which could not be carried into execution
without the aid of the Legislatures on both
sides, that therefore it must be referred to
them, and that these Legislatures being free
agents, would not give it their support if
they disapproved of it. I trust the popular
branch of our Legislature will disapprove of
it, and thus rid us of this infamous act, which
is really nothing more than a treaty of alliance
between England and the Anglomen of
this country, against the Legislature and people
of the United States.—
To Edward Rutledge. Washington ed. iv, 124. Ford ed., vii, 40.
(M. Nov. 1795)