Jay, John, as Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Letter signed ("John Jay"), 1 1/4 pages (13 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.; 335 x 216 mm), Office for Foreign Affairs [New York], 10 May 1785, to John Lowell of Boston, begins with a discuss of the affair of the Swedish consul Mr. Saderstrom with his creditors and segues to Jay's early statements on Federalism. Together with: An autograph note signed by Lowell's son John ("J. Lowell"), one page (8 3/8 x 6 3/4 in.; 212 x 172 mm), n.p., 10 May 1785, being astute observations of Jay's advocation of a stronger central government than the Confederation provided. Folding case with grey marbled boards, grey morocco spine with raised bands, black morocco lettering pieces.  

William Jay. Life of John Jay: With Selections from his Correspondence and Miscellaneous Papers, (New York, 1833), 1:190–191

"It is my first wish to see the United States assume and merit the character of a great nation." This letter, which contains one of Jay's most significant and early statements advocating a stronger federal government, begins with a discussion of a scandal instigated by the Swedish consul, Mr. Sanderstrom, with his creditors. "The report on his case was entirely dictated by public considerations; for considering the feeble state of our federal government, it appeared to me highly expedient that its tone should not only be prevented from becoming more relaxed, but that it should be invigorated in every manner and degree; which our union and general interests might require, and a due regard to our Constitution and equal rights permit." In 1785 Congress was presented with a remonstrance from some creditors who feared that diplomatic immunity would nullify their case against the Swedish consul. The subject was referred to Jay, who recommended that all consuls be held liable for offenses committed or debts incurred in the United States.

Jay then asserts that "It is my first wish to see the United States assume and merit the character of one great nation, whose territory is divided into different states merely for more convenient government, and the more easy and prompt administration of justice; just as our several states are divided into counties and townships for like purposes. Until this be done the chain which holds us together will be too feeble to bear much opposition or exertion, and we will be daily mortified by seeing the links of giving way and calling for repair, one after another ...." Jay's authority as secretary of foreign affairs was diluted by the impotence of the Union under the Articles of Confederation. He subsequently became a vigorous advocate of a new government under a stronger Constitution.