FREDERICK DOUGLASS TO JOHN JAY¹The son of William Jay and grandson of Chief Justice John Jay. John Jay (1817-94) was a lawyer and diplomat. Born in New York City and graduated from Columbia College, Jay was active in the Free Soil party and then the Republican party. He served the Ulysses S. Grant administration as minister to Austria-Hungary and later served on the New York Civil Service Commission. , 3:408.

Rochester[, N.Y.] 11 April 1859[.]

JOHN JAY ESQR.

MY DEAR SIR:

I am much obliged by your note and the memoranda with which you have favored me. My want of skill, not my want of heart for the work caused me to hesitate when first asked to Speak in memory of your honored father.²William Jay. I have now yielded to my friends rather than to any new confidence in my ability. The most I hope to do, is to Show that my people are capable of remembering gratefully a great friend and benefactor.

I am dear Sir, With Respect and Esteem,

FRED: DOUGLASS

ALS: John Jay Papers, NNC.