To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 8 March 1802
From Peter Augustus Jay
New York 8 March 1802
Dear Papa
I had been some time expecting the pleasure of seeing you in town when Sam arrived with the unpleasant Intelligence of your Indisposition— I hope however you will be soon able to compleat your Journey— I send you a Letter from Alderman Lenox,1 which I presume is on the Subject of your sitting for your picture—2 VanderLyn,3 who is to paint it is about departing for Washington— He is said to be one of the best portrait painters in the world—far superior to Stuart—
I send also the Deed to Dr Rockwell4 which Sir James has at last signed—
Sam: I believe takes with him every thing you wrote for— I have found the old Clock pullies but was obliged to buy a winch—
I intend very soon to visit at Bedford. The Weather detained me the last week— My Love to Uncle & Aunt— I am your very Affect: Son
Peter Augustus Jay
John Jay Esqr—
ALS, NNC (EJ: 06101). Addressed: “John Jay Esqr—.” Endorsed.
1. Letter by Lenox not found, but for JJ’s reply, see his letter of 3 Apr. 1802, Dft, NNC (09024). Robert Lenox (1759–1839), merchant and Federalist of New York City, who served on the Common Council from 1795 to 1797 and 1800 to 1802.
2. For JJ’s portrait done in New York City by JT, see Richard Varick to JJ, 13 July 1801, and note 1, above.
3. John Vanderlyn (1776–1852), painter and protégé of AB. Vanderlyn had studied painting in Paris and in Philadelphia under the direction of Gilbert Stuart. The commission for undertaking the portrait of JJ went to Vanderlyn’s rival, JT, who completed the work in 1804. Vanderlyn did execute a three-quarter-length portrait of JJ’s son, WJ, in 1819. See also John B. Coles to JJ, 6 Feb. 1802, ALS, NNC (EJ: 13018).
4. Probably either Benjamin Rockwell (c. 1771–1815), of New York City, or his brother Stephen Rockwell (1769–1805), of Bedford. Stephen and Benjamin were sons of Nathan Rockwell (1737–1803), of South Salem, who served as a judge in Lewisboro and as a state assemblyman (1780–82, 1786–87, 1788–90, and 1799–1800).