ingston Manor, and a graduate from Yale College. He was, at this time, some sixty-two years of age, of fine presence and polished manners, known and respected by the whole community. As a member of the Common Council, and of the Assembly, he had long been a familiar figure in Wall Street. His portrait will be regarded with exceptional interest. John Alsop was one of the original founders of the Chamber of Commerce, a gentleman of distinction and great loveliness of character. His only daughter afterward became the wife of Rufus King. Isaac Low entertained the Massachusetts delegation at breakfast on their way to Philadelphia, and John Adams has left a pleasing description of the style of life in this luxurious home. Mrs. Low was a lady of great personal beauty.
James Duane was a lawyer, some forty years of age, who subsequently distinguished himself in public service. He had already risen to eminence in his profession, and been retained in important suits that interested large masses of the people. He became the mayor of the city in 1784, and presided over the famous mayor's court, which through his high judicial reputation became the most important forum. His wife was the daughter of Robert Livingston, the third proprietor of the Manor, and niece of Philip Livingston. John Jay was also a lawyer, and the youngest of the five delegates. He was but twenty-nine, yet bore himself with the dignity and calm serenity of a veteran. He was tall, slight, graceful, shy, and proud; an able writer, a ready speaker, and an accomplished scholar. His wife was another niece of Philip Livingston, the daughter of Governor William Livingston, of New Jersey. He had already identified himself with the old court-room in Wall Street, in his legal practice; and during his subsequent career of a quarter of a century of usefulness to the country at large, and to his own State and city in particular, he was associated with this interesting locality in connection with some of the most significant and memorable events in American history, notably during the four years prior to the inauguration of the first President (Wall Street being the seat of the government of the Union), the four most precarious years of our national existence, in which he performed the initiatory duties of Secretary of State to the infant government; organizing its foreign affairs.
[The portrait which graces the front page of the volume represents Jay at a later date—when about forty years of age—and expresses, perhaps, more of that refinement of intellect and calm serenity of character for which he was distinguished than any other picture extant It is from A. B. Durand's engraving of Stuart and Trumbull's painting.]
