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Lot #164
John Jay

Jay writes about "the doubtful state of health at N. York" during the 1819 yellow fever scare

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Estimate: $1500+
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Description

Jay writes about "the doubtful state of health at N. York" during the 1819 yellow fever scare

ALS, one page, 7.75 x 9.25, September 13, 1819. Written from Bedford, a letter to his son Peter concerning the family lands, domestic and financial matters, and the epidemic in New York, in part: "I have rec’d your Letter of the 9 Inst., and am glad we all coincide in opinion relative to the affair of the contractors—The expenses accruing from the canal, and from filling up the adjacent lots will be not a little inconvenient. The rate at which you have agreed with the cartmen may not be unreasonable; but unless some mode be fixed for ascertaining the number of loads and the contents of each, there will be Room and Temptation for Importions.

Mr. & Mrs. Beebee left us this morning for Rye, with intention to remain at Penfields during the doubtful state of health at N. York. While the Board of Health do their duty in declaring the truth, and in taking proper measures to limit and extinguish the present contagion, they will deserve, and ought to receive, the approbation & thanks of their fellow citizens—The situation of your house is favorable, and the immediate Removal of your family may not as yet be necessary—circumstances may never wholly occur to render it expedient—be vigilant therefore and decided. Little Maria has for some days past been better…The rest of us still retain our ordinary share of health…My love to Mary and the children.” Jay adds a postscript to the conclusion. In fine condition. At the time this letter was written, Jay was in retirement at his farm at Bedford, Westchester County, New York, and his oldest son, Peter Augustus Jay (1776-1843), was a member of the New York Assembly.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #541 - Ended December 05, 2018





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