Jacob Sutherland to MVB, 3 March 1823

Jacob Sutherland to MVB, 3 March 1823

Albany

My Dear Sir,

Since I last wrote to you, I have been almost blind with an inflamation in my eyes, which has entirely preventing me from writing. I had however written you a long letter in answer to your queries in Relation the Govr. & matters & things in general here which upon reflection I thought it wise to burn than to send, reserving its contents for personal communication when we meet, which I trust will such be ^ere^ long.

The Governor has never mentiond to me nor alluded to your letter to him, nor has he ever spoken of, or alluded to you but on one occasion. If he has unfriendly feelings feelings towards you, he is discreet enough to conceal them. I have heard that he should have said that you were at the bottom of all the difficulties between him & the Senate. But I do not believe a word of it. He can not not think so, and if he did he would not be fool enough to say so. You must of course understand that all who are dissatisfied with the Govr. will think the matter of some importance to secure your cooperation with them, and that some of them, If they can not find, will fabricate the evidence of his hostility to you.

You & I know perfectly the nature of his feelings towards you. He does not love you, But the sentiment or feeling which he does entertain towards you, (though of a very different character,) often produces & I think in this instance has produced & will continue to produce the same effect as love, and you have no right & I am satisfied will see no inclination to analise his motives so long as you have no cause for dissatisfaction with his conduct.

And upon a review of all the operations of this winter here, I am persuaded that you will concur with me in the opinion, that so far from having any cause for personal dissatisfaction with the results you have reason to congratulate yourself that without any personal interference or exertion on your part, your Interests have not only been preserved but strength[ened.] A few days personal observation upon the spot will satisfy you of this. If your domestic concerns do not require your presence here, it may perhaps be as wise for you not to come immediately.

Your friends will be provided for. with Duer will be made a circuit Judge. Throop also. Jordan is a Competitor of Duer, & is making great efforts. You would find it difficult to keep aloof from all their matters, & whatever you interfered or not you would have the Credit of it.

In the present Stage, <aspect> of your fortunes, there is nothing to be gained by that.

[I] shall go home in a few days & not be here again until the Court of Errors meet to give <Iudit>, which will probably be the forepart of April.

I had not shewn Duer your Letter, but as from your enquiry I infer that you wish me to do so, I will.

I remain

Your Sincere Friend

Jacob Sutherland

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