To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 8 July 1808
From Peter Augustus Jay
New York 8 July 1808
Dear papa
I have just recd. your Letter of the 6th. inst.1 & am sorry to learn that Circumstances have occurred which make it necessary to dismiss Caty— If however her place can be tolerably supplied, the loss, will not be a great one—Mary & myself will immediately employ ourselves in endeavoring to find a person to suit you; & I beg you will believe that in executing this or any other Commission with which you may charge us, the pleasure of being useful to you, will much more than compensate any little trouble which the business may occasion us—
Maria went to Rye on Wednesday & lest I should be accidentally detained there I wrote you a short letter in great haste on Tuesday—2 I can now add what you will read with pleasure, that she bore the fatigue of the Journey infinitely better than either of us expected. We left New York a little before six in the morning & breakfasted at Armstrongs3 at East Chester where she ate more heartily than she had done for many months before. We reached ^Rye^ at half past twelve & she lay down till Dinner time— In the Afternoon she was in good Spirits & walked in the Garden. She has evidently gained much Strength which I think the best possible symptom. The Salivation is irregular but upon the whole has abated. The Change of weather too is greatly in her favor. Dr. Bruce4 had ceased to give her Medecine, but advised her to adhere to the warm Bath which has certainly been useful. When Mr. Munros family shall have removed, she will again use it— There being one at Mamaroneck. I left Rye & returned to town yesterday morning early— Aunt is very well. Uncle was a little indisposed but not more so than usual. Effy has gone to Brunswick. Mrs. Munro has again been ill for a few days. This morning she has again come down stairs. Immediately after my Return to town we took possession of our house & slept in it last night for the first time. We shall soon have it in order, & there is a convenient Room which we have prepared for you. If when you visit Morrisania you would extend your Journey to New York you would make us very happy—
We are all in good Health. Mary sends her love to you & Sally. I am your Affectionate Son,
Peter Augustus Jay
John Jay Esqr.
P.S. I have put up your portrait by Stuart which you was so kind as to give me. It is an excellent likeness but the unfinished state of the Drapery makes it look ill, & I wish to have that part compleated by some other painter— For that purpose I will be obliged to you, if you will be so good, as to bring with you when you next come to Rye, your Chief Justice’s Robes.5
ALS, NNC (EJ: 06131). Addressed: “John Jay Esqr. / Bedford.” Stamped: “New York / July / 8”. Marked: “10”.
1. JJ to PAJ, 6 July 1808, not found.
2. PAJ to JJ, 5 July 1808, not found.
3. Armstrong’s Tavern in Eastchester. American Monitor (Plattsburgh), 28 Apr. 1810.
4. Archibald Bruce, who had also treated Goldsborough Banyer Jr. For another account of MJB’s condition, see PAJ’s letter to her of 19 July 1808, Dft, NyRyJHC.