From John Adams to John Jay, 20 December 1790
To John Jay
Philadelphia Decr 20. 1790
Dear Sir
Permit me in this Severe Season, to Salute your fireside, and congratulate you on your return from the Northern Circuit.1
As the time approaches when We are to expect the Pleasure of Seeing you at the Supream Court in Philadelphia, you will give me leave to solicit the Honour and the Pleasure of your Company and that of Mrs Jay, and whoever else of the Family who may accompany you, at Bush Hill, during the time you may have occasion to Stay at Philadelphia.
This Satisfaction I have here requested as a favour, in hopes that there will be no Hesitation or Delicacy, to prevent you from readily granting it: but if I should be mistaken in this hope I shall certainly demand it as a right: because the Rights of Hospitality are not only Sacred but reciprocal.
As you are a Roman, the Jus Hospitii will not be disputed by You: and as I wish that I was one, I shall respect it and claim it.— We have an handsome and convenient Room and Chamber, and a decent Bed at your Service; and instead of the smallest Inconvenience to Us, you will confer a real Obligation, on Mrs Adams who joins with me in the request, to Yourself and Mrs Jay, and on your assured Friend and / humble servant
John Adams
RC (NNC:John Jay Papers); addressed: “The Chief Justice of the / United States, at his / House in / New York”; internal address: “Chief Justice Jay.”; endorsed: “Vice Presidt. Adams / 20 Decr 1790 / recd. 3 Jan / and. 4 Jany 1791—”; notation: “Free / John Adams.”
1. Fulfilling the constitutional duties outlined for the U.S. Supreme Court under the Judiciary Act of 1789, Jay acted as circuit justice for the Eastern Circuit from 28 Sept. to 15 Dec. 1790. He began his federal duties as chief justice of the Supreme Court in Philadelphia on 7 Feb. 1791, staying with the Adamses from 30 Jan. to 14 February. His wife, Sarah Livingston, and their family remained in New York (from Jay, 4 Jan., below; , 9:186; , 5:277, 284, 308).