From John Jay to Peter Augustus Jay, 11 July 1820
To Peter Augustus Jay
Bedford—11 July 1820
Dear Peter
I hope your Brother, who set out Yesterday, had a pleasant Passage from Sinsing to New York, and found your and his Family well—
I have recd. your Letters of the 16 and 30th. Ult—1 I am inclined to believe that your opinion respecting the operation of an assignment by Commissioners of Bankrupts is well founded— it is a question which I have not examined— general Principles seem to be in your favor—
The Insanity of William Watkins renders his Death less distressing to his Family and Friends than it would otherwise have been— His mothers afflictions have been numerous, and in several Respects severe. I hope she will have Reason to rejoice in the End for the Days wherein she has seen adversity.—2
Nancy’s Health continues to improve gradually, notwithstanding the warm relaxing weather we have had. On Sunday and Yesterday Mrs. Banyar suffered greatly from Head Ache &c. There is some abatement to Day— but she is still far from being comfortable. The State of my Health alters but little. My old Complaint remains nearly stationary, and seldom causes much Pain— As to Debility—it is common to old age, and mine tho’ unpleasant is not very troublesome— to wear away, at my Time of Life, by a Gentle Decay—has more of favor than Affliction in it—
When William returns he will make the Inquiries of Mr. Owen which you mention— When you write to John remember me to him— I owe him a Letter, and shall not remain much longer in his Debt— our Love to Mary and the Children—and also to Wm. & his Family, if they should be still in town— I am Dear Peter Your very affte. Father
John Jay
Peter Augustus Jay Esqr
ALS, NNC (EJ: 11479). Endorsed.
1. Letters not found.
2. William Watkins died on 26 June. He was the son of John Watkyn Watkins Jr. (1756–1809) and Judith Philipa Livingston Watkins (1758–1843). John W. Watkins, whom Catharine Livingston described as “an extreme helpless Man,” was the heir to wealth, but had difficulty managing it and was involved in western land speculation. He died indebted. JJ was the trustee of the money left to Judith by her father William Livingston. JJ protected his sister-in-law from Watkins creditors. One son, William Livingston Watkins (c. 1787–1820), borrowed from the Jays, and ran into troubles as well, once borrowing $300 from PAJ to cover bail imposed because of a lawsuit, only repaying a portion. JJ would leave Judith Watkins a $100 annuity to continue her maintenance. See Catharine W. Livingston to JJ, 9 Nov. 1783, , 3: 512; and Henry B. Peirce and D. Hamilton Hurd, History of Tioga, Chemung, Tompkins and Schuyler Counties (Philadelphia, 1879), 26; MJB to JJ, 24 Mar. 1804, ALS, NNC (EJ: 04911); JJ to PJM, 29 May 1804, ALS, NNMus (EJ: 03492); George J. L. Doll and J. Dupoil to JJ, 15 May 1809, ALS, NNC (EJ: 09054); Barent Gardenier to JJ, 17 June 1809, ALS, NNC (EJ: 09055); JJ to George Doll, 26 June 1809, Dft, NNC (EJ: 08701); and JJ to Barent Gardenier, 26 June 1809, Dft, NNC (EJ: 08702); PAJ to JJ, 17 July 1812, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06168); and PAJ to JJ, 25 Feb. 1814, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06189). See JJ Last Will and Testament, 18 April 1829, below.
For the obituary of William L. Watkins, see New-York Evening Post; New-York Daily Advertiser; and New-York Gazette, all 27 June 1820.