From John Jay to Peter Augustus Jay, 25 January 1825
To Peter Augustus Jay
Bedford. 25 Jany 1825.—
Dear Peter
I have recd. your Letters of the 13th., & 20th. Inst, and also the account mentioned in the latter.1 We all rejoice in the Recovery of your dear little promising Girl;2 and in the Tidings brought by William respecting her and all your Family.
The Rise in the Value of real property in the City, and the Prospect of Tenants for our Houses, are agreable Circumstances— altho Rents may rise, I have no desire to increase those which are punctually paid by good Tenants— I believe that fair & reasonable Rents are best both for Landlords & Tenants—3
I have executed the Power of Atty. you mention— William will transmit it to you with those which you sent for Maria &c.—4
Maria has suffered much for a week past from her old Complaints. they have been less distressing yesterday and today— The Rest of us continue as well as usual— except that Anna has a Cold which as yet does not abate. My Love to Mary and the children— I am Dear Peter your very affte. Father John Jay
Peter Augustus Jay Esqr
ALS, NNC (EJ: 07321).
1. See PAJ to JJ, 13 Jan. 1825, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06290); PAJ to JJ, 20 Jan. 1825, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06291); and PAJ Running Account, 1 Jan. 1825, D, NNC (EJ: 13096).
2. Anna Maria Jay.
3. JJ had a policy to forgive or keep low rents for tenants he wanted to retain. For example, the New York City Tenants Committee honored JJ and certain of his friends for forgiving rents after the last yellow fever outbreak. See National Advocate, 19 Nov. 1822.