Jay, John (1745-1829) to Sarah Livingston Jay
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01610 Author/Creator: Jay, John (1745-1829) Place Written: Bath, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 December 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.6 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Jay, three months after the signing of the Treaty of Paris, to his wife Sarah, who he refers to as "Sally," while she was in Paris. Says last letter he received from her was 18 November. Says his trip to the spa town of Bath has improved his health greatly. Says he will spend another 8-10 days and see where that leaves him. Says he misses her and fears his daughter will forget who he is. Jay's formal, straight-laced personality comes through when he says "in a Letter by the post I must not indulge these Emotions as in confidential Conversations." Says he has received much attention from the Countess of Huntington, whose "Head is much rot on the conversion of our Indians - she will find it a difficult Task, but her wishes are laudable tho perhaps too sanguine." Mentions other people he has been seeing in England. There is a strange stamped postmark over the address.
No. 15
Bath 5 Decr. 1783
My dear Sally
To Day is a week since my arrival here - In so short a time much alteration in my health could not have been expected. I am happy however to inform you that I am better than when I left London. Eight or ten Days more will probably determine what I may expect from the Waters. My Phisician gives me Hopes of receiving much Benefit from them, and the little Trial I have made of them inclines me to his opinions. The water sits well on my Stomach, and creates an appetite, and, so far so good - I cannot describe to You how ardently I long to sit next to you, with Maria on one knee and her sister on the other - I fear she wont know me when I return, and I assure you there is something unpleasant in that Idea. Of all temporal pleasures those of the domestic kind have the Preference in my opinion - but in a Letter by the Post I must not indulge these Invitations as in confidential Conversations -
The 10 Novr. Is the Day of the last Letter I have recd. from you. I am sure it is not the Date of the last you have written home. bad weather or some such Obstacle has I suppose detained the Packet Boats.
[2] Sr. Jorns. Is here, and I hear about to depart for America - our Friend Mr Hartley is also here attending his unfortunate Sister whom he thinks doing well, but whom many others think pas[text loss] Recovery. His attention to her does him Credit.
I have recd. much attention from the Countess of Huntington. she inquired about you in a very friendly -manner, and is an Enthusiast for America.. Her head is much set on the conversion of our Indians - she will find it a difficult task, but her wishes are laudable tho' perhaps too sanguine.
Mr Chase who came with me from London presents his Compr. to Wm.perhap you may not see him in France - for tho' he is home-sick he talks often of it. The Judge is in London - He left a Card at Mr Bringhauns, but omitted to mention where he lodged - I was from France when he called & have not seen him
Remember me to Peter & help our little ones for me - respectfully assured of the sincere & constant affection of your
John Jay -
Mr. Jay -
[address leaf]
Chrs Jay
Chaillot near Paris W~
[docket]
J. Jay
5 Decr. 1783
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