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LOT #42058 |
Starting Bid: $2,000
John Jay Autograph Letter Signed...
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Description
John Jay Reflects on Family, Health, and Gratitude in Letter to His Daughter
John Jay Autograph Letter Signed ("John Jay"). One
page, 8 x 9 7/8 inches. Bedford, [N.Y.]; September 12, 1807.
Docketed on the verso.A warm and personal letter from Jay to his daughter, Maria Jay Banyer, discussing family health, recent correspondence, and shared reflections on past and present life. In part:
"My dear Maria
On Tuesday morning last I recd. your Letter of the 20 Aug. and others from Peter and Nancy. You say nothing of your own Health or that of our little Darling - mine improves - little by little -
I flatter myself that Nancy will derive Benefit from the Springs, if she gives that Water a fair Experimt. - advise and persuade her not to return too speedily. I have written to her to that purpose, but shall have some Doubts of her being reconciled to a long absence from home - I wish she was as attentive to her own Comfort, as she is to that of others. Peter, Mary, and Sally will I am persuaded stay with her as long as may be proper for her to continue at Ballston.
Your opinion of Mary, corresponds with mine - she appears perfectly disposed to make herself agreable to our Family...Your Recollections my Dear Daughter; will frequently and naturally extend to Times that are past; and so I do mine - our attention however should not pass lightly over the many Blessings which daily descend upon us, and which it is proper for us both to acknowledge and to enjoy.
I have recd. a very friendly handsome Letter of Congratulations on your Brother's marriage, from your aunt Livingston - I am pleased with her cordial good will towards us...
As yet I have not heard from Wm. since he left us - it so happens that we now have the mail but once in a week...I expect he will be here in the Course of a Fortnight.
Susan desires to be remembered to you.
I am my dear Daughter
Your very affec. Father,
John Jay."
A full transcript of the letter is available in the lot's extended description online.
The letter records several ongoing family matters, as Jay comments on his own gradual recovery from illness, recommends that Nancy Jay remain at the Ballston Springs, a well-known resort for mineral-water treatments, and notes the presence of other family members attending her. By 1807, Jay had been retired from public office for several years. After serving as the first Chief Justice of the United States and later as Governor of New York (1795-1801), he withdrew to his estate in Bedford, Westchester County, where he managed family affairs and maintained correspondence with his children. His letters from this period focus on health, property, and family relationships rather than political matters.
Condition: Very good, with just minor wear commensurate with age and handling. Expected folds; minor toning and creasing. Stray pencil mark. Minor edgewear with short tears and chipping along top edge.
More Information: Full transcript:
"My dear Maria
On Tuesday morning last I recd. your Letter of the 20 Aug. and others from Peter and Nancy. You say nothing of your own Health or that of our little Darling – mine improves – little by little –
I flatter myself that Nancy will derive Benefit from the Springs, if she gives that Water a fair Experimt. – advise and persuade her not to return too speedily. I have written to her to that purpose, but shall have some Doubts of her being reconciled to a long absence from home – I wish she was as attentive to her own Comfort, as she is to that of others. Peter, Mary, and Sally will I am persuaded stay with her as long as may be proper for her to continue at Ballston.
Your opinion of Mary, corresponds with mine – she appears perfectly disposed to make herself agreable to our Family; and it gives me pleasure to be convinced that our family are as perfectly disposed to make themselves agreeable to her. Your Recollections my Dear Daughter; will frequently and naturally extend to Times that are past; and so I do mine – our attention however should not pass lightly over the many Blessings which daily descend upon us, and which it is proper for us both to acknowledge and to enjoy. This sentiment requires great weight and force, when we compare our Situation with that of the numerous multitude to whom far fewer favors are vouchafed.
I have recd. a very friendly handsome Letter of Congratulations on your Brother's marriage, from your aunt Livingston – I am pleased with her cordial good will towards us; and wish it may yet be convenient to her to make us a Visit.
As yet I have not heard from Wm. since he left us – it so happens that we now have the mail but once in a week – hitherto we have had it twice a week – I expect he will be here in the Course of a Fortnight.
Susan desires to be remembered to you.
I am my dear Daughter
Your very affec. Father,
John Jay."
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
June
19th
Friday
10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
June
19th
Friday
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