From John Jay to Peter Augustus Jay, 14 January 1822
To Peter Augustus Jay
Bedford—14 Jany 1822—
Dear Peter
On making the necessary Entries from your Acct. to the 28th. ult. I observed that on the 24 ult. you made two payments of $35 to Mrs. Watkins—1 One of them was doubtless that which I had desired you to make— being for Interest which I had recd. here— the other I presume was for Interest which you had recd., but you omitted to say from whom— I wish to know this, that I may credit it to the Obligor in the book in which I enter the Bonds taken for her Money—
Mr. Burtsell has sent me a Book entitled “Lacon”—2 I shall enclose a Note thanking him for it— Had Mr. Arden3 directed a Copy of his Book to me, or written to me a note on the Subject, I should without Delay have presented to him my acknowledgments— Tell him that I have read it— that I am obliged by the mark of Respect which it exhibits— and that I have desired you to subscribe my Name for a Dozn. Copies—
Present my Compts. to Mr. Gebhard—4 and thank him for the Keg of du[t]ch Herrings which he was so obliging as to send to you for me.—
As Sinecure places always had my Disapprobation, it appeared to me improper to accept of one—besides—would not such a Precedent lead to similar appointments?— Whether it would be prudent and satisfactory, to dispense with the Attendance of the Presidt. as a Matter of Course, and to have it so understood, is a question which in my opinion should be previously well considered—5
I yesterday recd. your Letter of the 11th. Inst—6 Such worthy and good Friends as Gen. Clarkson and Col. Varick will always meet with a cordial Reception here.7
Helen’s Health improves— she is a promising and pleasing addition to the Family— We are happy to learn that Mary is so well— My Love to her and the Children— I am, Dr Peter your very affte. Father.
John Jay
Peter Augustus Jay Esqr
1. Judith Livingston Watkins. See JJ to PAJ, 11 July 1820, note 2, above.
2. Charles Caleb Colton (1730–1832), Lacon: or, Many things in few words, addressed to those who think (New York, 1821). Peter Burtsell (1774–1831), a stationer at Wall and Broad Streets, published this American edition of the British clergyman’s popular 1820 collection of aphorisms.
3. Francis Arden (1750–1834), attorney, poet, Master in Chancery (appointed 1807), partner with William Coleman. A translation of the first book of Ovid’s Tristia: in heroic English verse; with the original text (New York, 1821). The dedication in the book on pages 3–4, reads:
To the Honourable John Jay.
The free spirit of these United States owes so much of its origin to classical sources, that an American translator of a Roman poet, is naturally led to seek for a patron, who to the soundest political principle of ancient Greece and Italy, adds the cultivation of their learning; and in a search thus directed, it cannot excite surprise in any well informed mind, that I have found you.
Your education was completed inter silvas Academi; you were among the early assertors of our liberties; and your conduct in the perilous struggle that attained them, is not more sure to command the notice of History, than to be read with admiration and gratitude by our posterity.
Nor have your services in times less dangerous, been of inconsiderable character; they too have produced great public benefits, alike indicative of your reach of thought, and the national feelings that direct it.
For all of these, I, in common with every person sincerely attached to this favoured country, am your debtor.
That the essay of an author, hitherto unknown, shall be found to deserve protection so valued as your’s, is more than the writer dares to declare; he could not however forego this occasion to manifest his respect for a firm patriot, an enlightened statesman, an upright man, and sincere Christian.
4. Frederick Gebhard (1770–1842), Bavarian via Amsterdam, merchant and Dutch import agent, operating out of 91 Greenwich Street. See Joseph Alfred Scoville, The old merchants of New York city. By Walter Barrett (New York, 1863), 131.
5. JJ was being considered for the presidency of the American Bible Society after the death of the sitting president Elias Boudinot on 24 Oct. 1821. JJ had been vice-president since 1816. See John Brodhead Romeyn to JJ, 1 June; JJ to J. B. Romeyn, 12 June, and WJ to JJ, 4 July 1816, all above. Despite these misgivings, JJ accepted, in person.
7. Matthew Clarkson and Richard Varick, vice-presidents of the American Bible Society, were appointed as a committee to appoint JJ president. See PAJ to JJ, 11 Jan. 1822, ALS, NNC (EJ: 06255). See also the editorial note “John Jay’s Engagement with Philanthropic and Religious Organizations,” above.