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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

PETER A. JAY TO JAY. - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 4 (1794-1826) [1893]

Edition used:

The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, ed. Henry P. Johnston, A.M. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890-93). Vol. 4 (1794-1826).

Part of: The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 4 vols.

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PETER A. JAY TO JAY.

Albany, 10 Oct. 1821.

My dear Father,

Our prospects here grow more unpleasant. The more violent members of the Convention begin to act more in a body and to gather strength.1 They have held at least one caucus. Upon the whole there is a good deal of bad feeling, and I should not be surprized if something very violent should be attempted in relation to the judiciary. This will probably depend upon the likelihood of its succeeding, and of this I cannot yet judge. We have had a long and latterly angry contest about the appointment of justices of the peace. The dominant party who gave up the Council of Appointment with great reluctance were anxious to retain the power of appointing these magistrates at Albany, and Mr. V. Beuren proposed a plan for this purpose which he openly urged on party grounds; others very desirous that the minority should not be utterly excluded from office proposed to elect Justices by the people. This enraged the Jacobins exceedingly, who were obliged to argue in contradiction to their own principles and professions. I voted against both plans and both were lost. The contest ended in the adoption of a Scheme by which the power of appointing is lodged in the Supervisors and County Court. The discussion has produced violent animosity between the followers of Mr. V. Beuren and the N. York delegation, and the latter seem to me to be alarmed and to be acting feebly. I heard yesterday from Mary who was well; I hope Nancy has by this time returned in better health than when she left you.

I went a few days ago to the cattle show of this County and was disappointed. I am much inclined to believe that William could show on your farm as fine cattle, and almost as many of them, as were exhibited.

My love to him and sisters.

I am, my dear father,
Your affectionate Son

Peter Augustus Jay.

[1 ]This was the second of the four State Conventions that have been held to revise the Constitution of New York since its adoption in 1777. The Council of Appointment, with which both Governors Clinton and Jay had been at issue, was abolished, and several other objectionable features eliminated. The appointing power was conferred upon the Governor with and by the advice of the Senate. “The direct sovereignty of the people was thus rendered far more effective, and popular government took the place of parliamentary administration.”