Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 18

ENCLOSURE

From Thomas Jefferson
To John Adams from John Jay, 27 October 1786 Jay, John Adams, John
From John Jay
Dr Sir New York 27th: Octor. 1786

The Revd. Doctor Provost is so obliging as to take Charge of this Letter together with other Dispatches1 which he will deliver to you.—

This Gentleman being elected by the Convention of episcopal Congregations in this State, and having the most express Recommendations from that Body, as well as from a general Convention lately held at Wilmington, is going over to be consecrated a Bishop.—

Permit me to introduce him to you as a Gentleman who merits and possesses the Esteem of all who know him. The liberal Attention you have shewn to the Requests of the Convention on these Subjects, has received their Thanks and Acknowledgments, and I am persuaded that the same Disposition will secure to my Friend, the Doctor, your Civilities and friendly Aid.—

With great and sincere Esteem and Regard I have the Honor to be / Dr Sir / Your most obt. and hble: Servt.

John Jay—

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “The Honorable John Adams Esqr.”

 1.

For the ordination of the Right Rev. Samuel Provoost, first Episcopal bishop of New York, and Rev. William White, Episcopal bishop of Pennsylvania, by John Moore, archbishop of Canterbury, on 4 Feb. 1787, and JA’s role in facilitating it, see vol. 17:539–540. Provoost (1742–1815), Columbia College 1758, served as rector of New York City’s Trinity Church and, since 1785, as chaplain to the Continental Congress ( ANB ). The “Dispatches” mentioned by Jay have not been further identified, but Provoost also carried Jay’s two letters of 1 Nov. 1786 [(1), (2)], both below, and a letter of introduction from Rufus King of the same date (Adams Papers). Provoost and his traveling companion White reached Falmouth, England, on or about 30 Nov., according to JA’s letter to Jay of that date, below.