To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 28 October 1821
From Peter Augustus Jay
New York 28 Oct. 1821
My dear father
You have already heard that Mary has given you another Grandson.1 I left Albany yesterday & arrived here this Morning & finding all well shall return tomorrow. Mr Munro’s Daughter Frances had a son on the same day with Mary.2 The Convention will I hope adjourn in about a week.3 Since I wrote you last it has been occupied with the Judiciary. The first attack made upon it was a proposition to abolish the Court of Chancery & to vest the equity Jurisdiction in the supreme Court; This was debated two days & part of a third, & was finally rejected by a great majority. They next took up Mr Munro’s Report & rejected it in toto without ceremony. The subject was then referred to a select Committee of which he was Chairman. They reported a new Plan. Upon the coming in of this Report the Vice Prest.4 moved a Resolution the effect & avowed object of which was to turn out the present Chancellor5 & Judges. This was also rejected by 64 votes to 44— after which the second Report was voted down with as little respect as the former, & the Judiciary department will probably remain nearly as it is at present, except that all the Judges of the County Courts (including the first Judge) will hold their offices for five Years—
The last Division shews the strength of the radical party as it is exiled, who are forming themselves into a distinct section of the democratic party.6
The new Houses in Walker Street are ready to receive the last tier of Beams.7
I am much obliged to Maria for her letter8 which I received the night before I left Albany. Our love to her & all the family— I am my dear father Your very affectionate son
Peter Augustus Jay
John Jay Esqr—
Little John now keeps head of his Class—9
ALS, NNC (EJ: 06252). Addressed: “John Jay Esqr / Bedford / Westchester County / N.Y.” Stamped: “NEW-YORK / OCT / 29”. Note: “10”. Endorsed. HPJ, 4: 454.
2. Edward Floyd De Lancey (1821–1905), born to Frances Munro De Lancey (1797–1869) and Rev. William Heathcote De Lancey (1797–1865).
3. The Convention adjourned on 10 Nov. 1821. See PAJ to JJ, 3 Oct. 1821, above.
4. Daniel D. Tompkins.
5. James Kent, former chief justice, New York Supreme Court (1804–14), chancellor (1814–23), sided with PAJ on enfranchisement.
6. PAJ’s “Jacobin” anti-Clintonians had formed into the Bucktails under Van Buren. See PAJ to JJ, 10 Oct. 1821, note 1, above.
7. See JJ to PAJ, 20 May 1818, above.
8. Letter not found.
9. John C. Jay.