Agreed, Daniel. I do love history.
Recorded in Henry Livingston's diary are visits from
John Jay and his wife Sarah.
Jul 1 '78 "Judge Jay Mrs Jay servant & pair horses here 9 days"
Oct 5 '79 "In the evening Mr Jay came here with his horse"
Oct 6 '79 "Mrs Jay & footman & one other horse"
Madrid, 8 December, 1781.
Dear Benson:
I had yesterday the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 30th October last - the only one that has come to my hands since I left Philadelphia. The letter you mention to have written when General Washington was in Westchester County has miscarried, and I the more regret it as it probably contained some particulars about my father's family, of whom I hear little except by persons at a distance from them. ...
I have been informed that my father had been robbed, that he removed his family to Poughkeepsie, and that on the way he lost one of his servants (but which I know not) by an unfortunate accident. I am to this moment ignorant of the particulars except so far as they have been conveyed by report. I wish to know where he lives and how he does; nobody writes me a syllable about Peter and Nancy. This distressed family are never out of my thoughts or heart. Henry Livingston, Jr. has been so kind as to write a letter to Mrs. Jay, and for which we are much obliged to him. I wish, however, he had been as particular about my father as about my son. You tell me he is the solace of my father. This circumstance makes me regret their parting. So few rays of comfort beam on that good and affectionate parent of mine that it is a pity that he should be deprived of those which it seems he derives from the company and prattle of his little grandson. It must not be. You, my good friend, must manage this matter for me.
Harry Livingston, I imagine, lives in the neighborurhood. His wife is an excellent woman, and in my opinion a rara avis in terra. I believe they both wish me well, and would not refuse to oblige me by taking my son to live with them and treating him as they do their own. In that family he would neither see nor be indulged in immoralities, and he might every day or two spend some hours with his grandfather, and go to school with Harry's children; or otherwise as you may think proper. At any rate he must not live with his grandfather, to whom he would in that case be as much trouble as satisfaction.
This is a point on which I am decided, and therefore write in very express and positve terms. Unless objections strike you that I neither know or think of, be so kind as to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Livingston about it. I will cheerfully pay them whatever you may think proper, and I would rather that you should agree to a generous allowance than a mere adequate compensation. In case Mr. and Mrs. Livingston should consent to this, be pleased then to mention it to my father and the family...
I entreat your attention to this subject and beg that you will extend your regard for the father to the son and family of
Your affectionate friend,
John Jay.