Lot 165
John Jay Autograph Letter Signed During the American Revolution (1745-1829) American statesman and diplomat, a Founding Father of the United States, President of the Continental Congress, signatory of the Treaty of Paris, and first Chief Justice of the United States. ALS as U.S. Minister to Spain, 3 pages, 9 x 7¼", Madrid, Spain, Nov. 23, 1780. To his sister-in-law, Miss Kelly W. Livingston (1751-1813). In part: "You are without exception the best correspondent I have in America…every Letter I write to Congress shall enclose one for you." Letter is signed "Your friend & Brother / John Jay." (Email to request full transcript of letter.)
Docket on verso of bifolium, with penciled biographical note in another hand re John Jay. Light soiling to pages 1 and 4; minor edge chips. Boldly penned and signed during the American Revolution. As Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain, Jay was expected to get financial aid, commercial treaties, and recognition of American independence, the latter of which Spain refused to give, fearing the effect on its own colonies in the New World. Jay did, however, obtain a loan of $170,000. In June of 1782 Jay was sent to Paris, to help negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War. Estimate Value $4,000 - 6,000
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