From John Adams to John Jay, 4 January 1792
To John Jay
Philadelphia January the fourth 1792
Dear Sir
As the Week is approaching when you are to be expected at Philadelphia, I take this Opportunity to present to you and your Lady the Compliments of the Season, and request the honour and pleasure of your Company at our House during your Visit to this City.1 We live in Arch Street at the Corner of fourth Street where your old bed is ready for you in as good a Chamber and much more conveniently Situated for your Attendance on your Court and intercourse with your Friends. Mrs Jay We hope will bear you company and in this request Mrs Adams joins with me. The Winter is very mild: Politicks dull. Speculation brisk. As We have little Interest in these Things We shall have a freer scope for Friendship. I am, my dear sir with Sincere / Esteem yours
John Adams
RC (NNC:John Jay Papers); addressed: “The Chief Justice / of the United States / New York”; internal address: “Chief Justice Jay”; endorsed: “Vice Presid. Adams / 4 Jany / and. 10 Jany / 1792.”; notation by JA: “Free / John Adams.”
1. Still busy riding the court circuit, Jay departed Rye, N.Y., on 2 Aug. and arrived in Philadelphia two days later for the Supreme Court’s session. He lodged at Mary Gibbons’ boardinghouse, located on Spruce Street between Second and Third Streets (, 5:438, 439).