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

Lot Number: 42057

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42057

John Jay Autograph Letter Signed ("John Jay"). One page of a bifolium, 8 x 9 7/8 inches; Albany, [N.Y.]; May 15, 1800. Docketed on address leaf.

Jay writes to his wife Sarah Livingston Jay, updating her on a developing medical concern and recent consultation. In part:

"My dear Sally

I wrote to you yesterday a Letter which is now at the post office and will go in Mrs. Day's mail. I have since seen Dr. Torbel - he exam'd the Pimple on my face, and asked many proper Questions on the Subject...He observed that considering the Length of Time since the Pimple first appeared...that there was some Danger of its ultimately becoming a serious complaint...His opinion corresponding with my Ideas of Prudence, I have agreed to begin to take his medicine without Delay - This ev.g I am to take the half of one pill - and to encrease the Doses according to circumstances - I am to abstain from pepper and vinegar, but in other Respects to live as usual. Thus much for your Information. Torbel says that the Rev'd Mr. Johnson of Albany is now under his care and doing very well & that both in his case and that of General Washington, the Symptoms were more advanced and unequivocal than in mine. I mention this because it will give you pleasure - On these occasions I look beyond the Doctr.

I am my dear Sally
Yours affecy.
John Jay."

A full transcript of the letter is available in the lot's extended description online.

Jay writes with careful attention to a minor ailment, agreeing to treatment out of caution after his physician warns of possible complications. The reference to General Washington, whose symptoms were "more advanced," is particularly striking, linking Jay's concerns to the recent memory of Washington's fatal illness and underscoring the uncertainty surrounding medical treatment at the time.

Condition: Overall very good with expected folds and minor toning. Several small separations, holes, and minor edgewear affecting text. Loss to address leaf at lower right and where letter was opened; offsetting from wax seal to both leaves. Letter remains highly legible.

References: John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, ed. Henry P. Johnston, vol. 4 (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1893.

Include Thumbnail(s)