When state lawmakers adjourned mid-session in November 1796, they left New York’s City’s Federal Hall with an agreement to reconvene a few months later in Albany.1 Since the formation of New York’s government in 1777, the state legislature had shifted its meeting sites between Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Albany, and New York City, and had thereby relocated the state capital sixteen times within a twenty year period.2 The removal of the seat of government up the Hudson River in early 1797, however, proved more than just a temporary transfer of power, as legislators passed subsequent acts in the following months that solidified Albany’s status as the permanent capital.3 Although the official record offers little explanation for this shift in policy, Albany’s rise in political prominence vis-à-vis New York City occurred due to a combination of factors, the most significant being the republican belief that situating the state legislature in a central location produced a fairer and more efficient system of representation.4 The decision also reflected Albany’s rising status as a communications and commercial center, as well as concerns over New York City’s vulnerability to yellow fever outbreaks and naval attacks. Moreover, many communities residing in the hinterland and northern section of the state shared an anxiety that their downstate rival was amassing too much political influence and power.5

As the year drew to a close, the members of the state senate and assembly travelled to Albany for their scheduled meeting. Since Jay would also perform his official duties in Albany, he likewise made the journey northward, arriving by sleigh on New Year’s Eve.6 Albany’s city hall, the old Stadt Huys, had been converted for use by the legislature when the session opened on 3 January, and Jay noted with approval that the local residents were welcoming and well prepared to receive the influx of visitors.7 The move itself, however, was far from a welcome development. As one of Jay’s colleagues noted, “the Governor is well but rather out of temper with the abrupt adjournment of our Legislature to meet in January next, and at Albany.”8 Jay’s transition to his new accommodations was eased through the assistance of Dirk Ten Broeck who procured him two rented rooms and arranged for a cask of porter to be delivered to his quarters.9 Jay found the new lodgings pleasant enough, but nothing could replace the domestic comforts of the Government House, his residence in New York City. As he confessed to his wife who remained behind with their younger children, “I shall not, and cannot, forget that I am not at home.”10

It was a long and at times winding path that state lawmakers followed in granting Albany the coveted status of New York’s capital. After hearing a proposal brought to the assembly floor in mid-January, members of both houses debated the contentious issue for nearly two months before passing legislation that ultimately secured the city’s political prominence.11 The resulting omnibus bill contained several provisions, including the erection of a public building in Albany for housing the papers of the state legislature, the records and offices of the secretary of New York, and the clerk of the State Supreme Court. The bill also called for the relocation of the offices of the state treasurer and comptroller to either Albany or nearby Watervliet, a division of the duties of the clerks of the State Supreme Court between Albany and New York City, and the sitting of the State Court of Probate in Albany.12

Although newspapers were largely silent on the move to Albany, it seems to have elicited a mixed response from New Yorkers. For instance, Elihu Hubbard Smith, a physician in New York City, welcomed the shift as a positive development for the state. As he commented to a friend, “The removal of the Seat of Government & the Public Offices, to Albany—which is now provided for, will, probably, preserve the union of the different parts of the State, some years longer, than it might, otherwise, have continued.”13 Yet Smith also noted that the physical shift of the capital portended a political shift of power; “The only danger arises, he warned, “from the ardent temper of the many young men who represent the western & northern Counties.”14 Robert Troup shared the latter sentiment, commenting that the eventual removal of the “seat of government” to Albany was proof that “The northern and western interests are much too powerful for us.”15

Jay had correctly assumed that the state legislature would continue to meet in Albany, but he was less sure as to whether other government agencies would remain in New York City or be relocated elsewhere.16 Upon hearing that Albany had been selected to serve as the state capital, Jay forwarded the news to Sally, explaining, “the Bill fixing the Seat of Govt. here has become a Law— it provides that the Legislature shall convene, here and that the Treasury, Secretary’s and other offices shall be removed to this place as soon as the arrangemts. Necessary for the Purpose shall be made.”17

While lawmakers were debating the placement of the state capital, Jay also faced the uncertainty of where he and his family would reside for the duration of his term in office. Initial reports from the Studt Huys suggested that the governor’s presence would not be required at future legislative sessions. Jay informed Sally in mid-February, “I shall be left to reside in New York,” and communicated soon after that, “Nothing has as yet occurred which indicates a fixed Opinion that the Governor ought to reside at this Place.”18 A few weeks later, however, Jay overheard rumors that Albany would indeed become the permanent abode for the state’s chief executive officer and that the legislature might also cover the expenses of his family’s accommodations. “I find there is much Conversation,” he wrote to his wife, “about providing a House here for the Governor.”19 Although he doubted whether any decisions would be made during the current session, state lawmakers did manage to pass a resolution defraying the cost of his housing before they adjourned in early April.20

Upon returning to New York City at the end of the legislative meeting, Jay would take much comfort knowing that he and Sally no longer faced the daunting prospect of a prolonged separation. The several months prior to moving proved a busy period for the Jays. In addition to planning and making preparations for their new home, they had to arrange for the rental and upkeep of their properties in New York City. James Caldwell,21 an Albany merchant and entrepreneur, leased the Jay family his stately three-story brick house located on State Street, a main thoroughfare.22 Jay also relied on the support of Albany’s John Tayler, the Indian agent and recently appointed justice of the Court of Common Pleas, who lived nearby at 50 State Street. Tayler aided Jay with various endeavors: he made sure that the stables and carpentry for the new house were completed on time; that a sleigh was built for use by the family during the winter months; that firewood was supplied in the yard; and that “Mrs Jays determination as to the carpet” was made known to Caldwell.23 Tayler also helped to organize and store the furniture and sundry goods that Jay shipped up the Hudson aboard sloops hired for that purpose.24

At about the same time that the governor and his family arrived at their new residence on 20 September, Jay sent additional freight to Albany, along with four “Man servants”, two horses, and one cow on a vessel captained by John Bogart.25 Although it took Sally a little time to adjust to her new surroundings, the members of the household were largely content with their new arrangements.26 In October, Jay commented that he and his family “are pretty well settled,” but noted nonetheless, that “if we had a little more room we should find ourselves very comfortable.”27