Dec 14

Dec 14 John Jay Declares Independence

John Jay had left the Continental Congress just months before the Declaration of Independence was signed, however, he took the lead in submitting New York’s approval of that document.

“Thus, although Mr. Jay was, by his recall from Congress, deprived of the honour of affixing his signature to the Declaration of Independence, he had the satisfaction of drafting the pledge given by his native state to support it…”

-William Jay, son of John Jay and prominent abolitionist

John Jay

John Jay had been elected to the First Continental Congress largely due to his moderate outlook on dealings with Great Britain.

Jay had helped write the Olive Branch Petition and had published an Address to the People of Great Britain which aimed at convincing everyone involved in securing a peaceful resolution to the tensions brewing between the Mother Country and her colonies.

Even as late as Spring 1776 he hoped for the possibility of reconciliation with the King. However, he was quickly realizing that independence was the only way to proceed.

Leaving Congress

In May of 1776, John Jay left the Continental Congress.

His wife, Sarah, was sick and staying with her father in New Jersey. Additionally, his own father was unwell and living just north of New York City.

John decided the best course of action was to return to the New York Provincial Congress, both to be closer to his family and to help his home colony prepare for a war.

The return home coincided with an official recall, though it is unknown if this was at Jays’ request.

Independence

Jay’s decision to leave would prove fateful.

Just two months later, the Continental Congress would publish the Declaration of Independence...and John would not be available to put his name on the document.

By this time, however, he had seen the writing on the wall and began firmly supporting separation.

Furthermore, John had become a leader in the New York Provincial Congress and was looked to by fellow Representatives for the next step.

Unanimous

Jay was made chairman of a committee that considered the Declaration of Independence for New York.

He wrote the opinion of this five man team that would be ratified on July 9, 1776. This resolution affirmed New York’s support of the Declaration and ordered printings of it across the State.

Additionally, John’s bill sent new instructions to the State’s Delegates in the Continental Congress who, until this point, had abstained from voting they awaited an update from New York.

Thanks to Jay’s leadership in New York, the Delegates in Philadelphia changed their vote to yes.

Independence was now, officially, unanimous.

Want to learn more about John Jay and his family?

OK, here you go:

John Jay’s Controversial Gubernatorial Campaign

The Camillus Defense - Hamilton Stands By Jay’s Treaty

The Jay-Gardoqui Treaty - An Agreement That Never Was

To read the Resolution of the New York Convention Approving the Declaration of Independence…CLICK HERE.

John Jay has several biographies.

My favorite (and the one I used while writing this article) is the one by Walter Stahr.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).