[JAY, John]. DONGAN, Thomas, Governor of New York Colony. Manuscript document signed ("Tho Dongan"), New York, 4 March 1686. A Letter of Denization to AUGUSTUS JAY, GRANDFATHER OF JOHN JAY. 1 page, folio (11½ x 12 7/8 in.), worn at creases (repairs on verso), remnants of raised seal in upper left corner. Accomplished in a fine, calligraphic hand.

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

細節

[JAY, John]. DONGAN, Thomas, Governor of New York Colony. Manuscript document signed ("Tho Dongan"), New York, 4 March 1686. A Letter of Denization to AUGUSTUS JAY, GRANDFATHER OF JOHN JAY. 1 page, folio (11½ x 12 7/8 in.), worn at creases (repairs on verso), remnants of raised seal in upper left corner. Accomplished in a fine, calligraphic hand.

THE JAY FAMILY OPENS FOR BUSINESS IN AMERICA. "Whereas Augustus Jay, having an intent to reside in these parts hath requested of me that hee may bee a free denizen of his Majesty's Collony for an Encouragmt to Merchants & others who are willing to settle or traffique in these parts. Know Yee that by virtue of this commission & Authority unto me given, doo declare & confirm the said Augustus Jay to bee a good & free Denizen of this colony..." This Letter of Denization gave Jay the right to own land, to "trade or traffique in this place or any other of his Majesties Dominions." A Huegonot refugee from the religious wars of France, Augustus Jay made a fortune trading in New York City, and his son Peter followed the family merchant tradition. Peter's son, John Jay, pursued a legal career that saw him become the nation's top jurist and diplomat in the early ears of the American republic.