2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
Manuscript letter secretarial copy of a letter by John Adams as minister to Great Britain, 2p. quarto, Grosvenor Square, [London], January 4, 1786 to John Jay concerning healing the breach between the American and English Episcopal Churches in which he describes his meeting with the Archbishop at which he delivered letters from Jay and Lee, and reads in part: "...A day or two after the receipt of your letter...and that of President Lee, which came with it, I wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury, by Colonel Smith...I told his Grace, that, at the desire of two very respectable characters in America, the late President of Congress, and the present Secretary of State for the Department of Foreign Affairs, I had the honor to be the bearer, to his Grace, of a letter from a Convention of Delegates from the Episcopal Churches in most of the Southern states...That in this business, however, I acted in no official character, having no Instructions from Congress...The Archbishop answered, that all that he could say at present, was that he was himself very well disposed to give the satisfaction desired, for he was by no means one of those, who wished that Contentions should be kept up between the two countries, or between one Party and another in America, but on the contrary was desirous of doing every thing in his Power to promote Harmony and good Humour. I then said that if his Grace would take the trouble of reading two letters, from Mr. Lee and Mr. Jay, he would perceive the motives of those gentleman...he read attentively and returned [the letters], and added that it was a great satisfaction to him to see, that Gentlemen of character and reputation interested themselves in it, for that the Episcopalians in the United States could not have the full and complete enjoyment of their religious liberties without it...And he would take the liberty to ask me, if it were not an improper question, whether the interposition of the English Bishops would not give uneasiness and dissatisfaction in America. I replied that my answer could be only that of a private citizen, and, in the capacity , I had no scruple to say, that the People of the United States in general were for a liberal and generous toleration - I might indeed employ a stronger word, and call it a Right and the first Right of Mankind to worship God, according to their Consciences, and therefore that I could not see any reasonable ground for dissatisfaction, and that I hoped and believed there would be none of any Consequence. His Grace was then pleased to say that Religion in all Countries especially a young one, ought to be attended to, as it was the Foundation of Government..." Minor mouse chew at top right and left corners affects two words, else VG....plus; Autograph Note Signed twice in text "Mr. Jay", 1p. quarto, New York, April 5, 1786, on the verso of an address panel which housed the above letter, and reads: "Mr. Jay presents his Compts. to the Revd. Mr. Provost, and has the Honor of sending him herewith inclosed a Copy of a letter from the Honble Mr. Adams of Jany. last to Mr. Jay" VG. Together John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin negotiated peace with Great Britain following the American Revolution. A historic item. (2 items)
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