John JAY (1745-1829) Autograph Letter Signed, “John Jay“, 1 page, 237 x 197 mm. (9 3/8 x 7 1/4 in.), Bedford, [N.Y.], 29 January 1821 to his son, Peter Augustus Jay (1776-1843) concerning family news, financial matters, and a large fire in New York City.

“I have rec[eive]d your Letter of the 25 Inst – Both Mama and myself are once again better – She and your Brother set out this morning to visit with Friends at rye. I communicated to her your kind Invitation, and she rec[eive]d it with Expressions of Gratitude and Affection. Little Maria’s Complaints have abated, but she is still unwell. Tidings of the Fire at N York son reached us- many must have suffered- I hope your attending it in such severe cold weather has not injured your Health – We are glad that John and Helen were better– I think you did well to keep them at Home for the Present- In the night between the 24th & 25th Inst. The Mercury fell to 14 below Zero.— On inspecting the Bond of $1500 from Mr. Jam[e]s Morris, you will find that it is dated the 28 Au[us]t. 1817- on the 15th Feb[ruar]y he paid you $105 on Acc[oun]t of Interest so that two Years Interest viz $210 is due and unpaid. If he should find it inconvenient to pay it, I am willing to accept is Bond for it as Payment for that Interest – On the 9 May last, there was a Year[‘]s Interest viz $315 due from Mr. D Peyster – it is time that it should be paid – The intended assignment of DeLavan’s mortgage, to Mr Hunt, will require care- perhaps he may expect to secure by it more than was due from De Lavan to me. I am glad tat you are preparing it.— It does not appear from your acc[oun]t that Doct[o]r Watts has as yet been paid— My Love to Mary and the children…”

According to one newspaper account, at 3 A.M. on the morning of Wednesday, 24 January 1821, a fire erupted in “an old wooden building in Front-st, between Fulton-st & Crane-wharf, on the eastside, occupied by a Mrs. Smith. The wind blew very fresh at the time, from the westward, and the fire soon spread in various directions, and in the course of two hours, a vast property in buildings and goods, was consumed.” Over twenty-five buildings were destroyed in the early morning blaze, including grocers, a liquor store, a “flour store,” and in particular the wine store of “Mr. T. Bloodgood, is said to be the greatest-sufferer,” losing $70-80,000 in stock.”*
 
 
Expected folds, extreme light toning to bottom left corner, else fine.

(EXA 5634) $1,750
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^* National Advocate, New York, 25 Jan. 1821, 2.