American statesman (1745–1829) who served variously as President of the Continental Congress, diplomat, and, from 1789 to 1795, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. LS, one page, 8 x 9, partly affixed to a slightly larger sheet, November 10, 1796. Jay writes to Peter Smith. In part: “The Legislature of this state has appointed you one of the Electors of this state for the election of a President and Vice President of the United States—pursuant to the directions of the law I give you this notice by express, and request that you will by him write me a few lines signifying that you have received this letter. You are doubtless apprised that by an act of this state passed the 26 March last, the Electors are directed to meet and give their votes at the City of Hudson, at the time and in the manner directed by the Act of Congress on that subject—which time is the first Wednesday in December next….” In the 1796 election, John Adams, who ran as a Federalist, narrowly edged out Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, with a final tally of 71 electoral votes to 68. Among the other candidates in a crowded field that included the likes of Samuel Adams, Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth, Associate Justice James Iredell, and other notables, was Jay himself, who garnered a scant five electoral votes as a secondary Federalist candidate. New York law stipulated that the state’s legislature choose presidential electors; it was in Jay’s capacity as Governor of New York that he sent the present letter. The left margin bears the remnant of a red wax seal. In good condition, with mounting as noted, chips and small losses to edges (touching date), a few tears, intersecting folds (lightly touching signature; partial separations), somewhat irregular toning, and light show-through of tape stain behind signature from repair to reverse. The signature is otherwise dark and clear. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
