Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42056

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42056

John Jay Autograph Letter Signed ("John Jay"). One page of a bifolium with integral address leaf, 7 3/8 x 6 inches; New York; April 18, 1789. Docketed on the address leaf, presumably by Peter August Jay (1776-1843), "A Letter from Papa." With intact red sealing wax.

A charming letter from John Jay, Founding Father and future Chief Justice, written to his thirteen-year-old son Peter Augustus Jay, granting him permission to attend the fireworks celebrating George Washington's arrival in New York for his inauguration as the first President of the United States. Jay writes, In full:

"Dear Peter

The things mentioned in your memorandum were put up in a little bundle and sent by the boat. I hope your health continued to mend. Your Mama is gone to Eliz:Town-she was much indisposed. That you may have an opportunity of seeing the fireworks &c. which it is said are to be exhibited on the arrival of General Washington, I consent to your returning to town this week, and your Uncle Peter is so kind as to promise to let B. Gidney come down with you. Your little sisters are well.

I am your affc Father
John Jay."

A wonderfully human glimpse into the life of one of America's most important founders, with an interesting association to Washington's first inaugural celebration.

Peter Augustus Jay would go on to become a prominent lawyer and Federalist politician, serving in the New York State Assembly from 1815 to 1816. He was also an early and outspoken opponent of slavery, notably advocating for African American suffrage at the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1821.

Includes a note of provenance dated March 19, 1966, stating that the letter was originally owned by Professor Augustus Jay Dubois ( 1869-1913) of Yale University.

Condition: Please see high resolution photos of this lot online. Browned; paper is brittle with chipping at the edges; some dampstaining present. Separation at the top right edge, just touching text. Minor loss to address leaf where letter was opened, not affecting text.

Provenance: Christie's, Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts Including Americana, June 12, 2015, lot 189.

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