To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 26 November 1824
From Peter Augustus Jay
New York 26 Nov. 1824
My dear father
I have received a very Kind letter from Maria & Nancy1 but fear I shall not have time to answer it by this morning’s mail—
Your Marble Mantle Piece has been sent up by the Sloop General Delavan. And a stove which William bought has been sent by the Sloop Montgomery Capt Montross—2 Some iron Jambs & an iron back have also been sent by the Genl. Delavan—
I am sorry to hear that you have been troubled with a cold & hope you may be entirely free from it before the weather becomes severe— For some time past it has been extremely pleasant, but when the indian summer is over we shall probably have much colder weather—
We have lately had continual fires, some of which I believe have been intentional. Mr Munros stable was certainly set on fire—3
It appears that the Jackson ticket has failed in Ohio—and it is supposed that the election of President must now be made by the house of representatives— this subject is as you may suppose the constant topic of conversation but I think it excites much more curiosity than feeling— There are not many who appear to me to care much for either of the Candidates.4
Mary & the Children are well & send their love to you & all the family— We regret to find that Mrs Banyer does not as we had hoped intend to visit us— I am my dear father Your very affectionate son
Peter Augustus Jay
John Jay Esqr
ALS, NNC (EJ: 06287). Endorsed: “… answd. 30 Novr. 1824”.
1. MJB to PAJ, 22 Nov. 1824, ALS, NyRyJHC. See also PAJ to JJ, 19 Nov. 1824, note 7, above.
3. See “PROCLAMATION By WILLIAM PAULDING, Junior, Mayor of the City of New-York,” of 9 Nov. 1824, offering a $200 reward for the apprehension of arsonists “and the further sum of $100 for every person who may have been concerned in the said crime, …” National Advocate (New York), 10 Nov. 1824. See also the resignation of Thomas “Uncle Tommy” Franklin Jr. (1762–1830), chief engineer of the New York City Fire Department, Statesman (New York), 26 Nov. 1824.
4. Henry Clay won all 16 Electoral College votes in Ohio, beating Jackson by a very narrow margin. JQA also ran, with a third-place finish. In 1825, Clay dropped out of the race, and Ohio’s representatives supported JQA when the House elected him President.