A group of young men, most of whom were King’s College graduates, met on Thursday evenings during 1768 to engage in debates.1 Such debating and literary clubs were increasingly part of urban life for young professional men.2 The subjects selected for discussion included such questions as “Whether in an absolute Monarchy it is better that the Crown should be elective than hereditary” (John Jay answered in the affirmative), “Whether the Laws ought to compel a Subject to accept of a public Employment?” (Jay answered in the affirmative), and “Whether the King was justifiable in Fare Conscience for reserving a yearly Quit Rent of £20 for every 100 Acres of Land he grants?” (there is no record of Jay’s opinion). The notes are largely in Peter Van Schaack’s hand and fragmentary. The members took turns presenting arguments and presiding over the four-hour meetings, which began at six o’clock. Because discussions of this sort were particularly valuable training for lawyers, it is not surprising that the Debating Society of New York City was dominated by that profession or that John Jay was an active participant. Below are printed the Rules of the Debating Society and the extant notes on a debate on the question “Was Virginius Morally Justified in Putting His Daughter Virginia to Death?”