Historians In Awe Over Discovery At Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Property

John Jay’s Hypocritical Views

John Jay was the second Governor of New York, and the first ever Chief Justice of the United States. John Jay was from the North and hailed from New York City. He served in several other government capacities including Ambassador to Spain and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the first ever Secretary of State.

He is probably best known for working as the negotiator on the Treat of Paris where England finally recognized American independence. Although Jay owned slaves, he was also known to oppose slavery. He said, “I purchase slaves and manumit them at proper ages and when their faithful services shall have afforded a reasonable retribution.” He supported a gradual process where the children of slaves would be born free.