JAY, John (1745-1829). Autograph document signed ("John Jay"), London, 21 February 1795.

One page, 232 x 188mm (partial separation along lower horizontal mailing fold, archival hinge remnants at top margin on verso). Additionally signed by Jay's secretary, Jonathan TRUMBULL (1756-1843) and his son, Peter Augustus JAY (1776-1843) as witnesses. With lengthy endorsement on verso, 14 March 1800.

Soon after concluding negotiations for "Jay's Treaty," John Jay signs a power of attorney to allow for a surrogate to manage his real estate affairs in New York. The document reads, in part: "…I John Jay of the City of New York Esquire, but now in London on public Business do further authorize and empower my Attorney Peter Jay Munroe of the said City of New York Esquire, to join with Robert Morris Esquire of New Jersey and others (with whom I hold certain Lands in Orange County in the State of New York as a Tenant in common) in, and for me and in my name to execute such Deeds…" Following his work on the Treaty, Jay remained in London until May—at the last minute declining an invitation from Washington to serve as resident Minister Plenipotentiary in London citing a his desire to retire (Flanders, The Lives and Times of The Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, Philadelphia, 1858, Vol. 1, p. 405). Upon his return, Jay learned that retirement had to wait: he had been elected governor of New York—a post he held until 1801. Provenance: Walter Benjamin (invoice) 24 November 1972.