This is a copy of a letter, made by William Jay, that he wrote to the black abolitionist David Ruggles at a time when both men were deeply involved in the abolitionist movement. Jay, a jurist and Westchester County judge, was the youngest son of founding father John Jay. David Ruggles, a free black man who owned a bookstore in New York City, was the secretary for the New York Committee of Vigilance, an organization which provided aid to fugitive slaves. Jay was anxious to ascertain the facts surrounding the case of a kidnapped free black man in order that such incidents might be prevented in the future.
| Title | William Jay Letter, Dec. 10, 1836 | Format | Manuscript - contemporary copy |
| Repository | John Jay Homestead State Historic Site New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
Number of Pages | 1 |
| Collection | Nina Iselin Collection, gift of Friends of JJH | Dimensions | 7" x 9" |
| Call Number | JJ.2006.1 | Transcription | Yes |
| Creator | William Jay | jpeg File Name | jayLetter.jpg |
| Creation Date | December 10, 1836 | tif File Name | jayLetter.tif |
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