Throughout his life, John Jay took on a variety of notable positions as one of our most extraordinary founding fathers. On this day, 1778, he took on the hefty task of serving as the President of the Continental Congress.
Jay had taken on a powerful political career very early in his life. He graduated from Columbia University (formerly King’s College) and gained a reputation as a skilled and moderate lawyer, and soon afterwards served as a New York representative in 1775.
Strangely enough, Jay stepped down just before the Declaration of Independence was signed due to opposing absolute separation from Great Britain. He was a strong advocate for proposing a peaceful compromise with George III, writing an Address to the People of Great Britain during his time as a representative.
Jay climbed the ranks furthermore by returning to New York as the state’s first chief justice in 1777. During this time, he demonstrated his prowess by articulating a brilliantly crafted state constitution that served as an exemplary piece for others to emulate. His wide array of talents elevated him to the ranks President of the Continental Congress in the subsequent year.
Jay’s previous opposition to the colonies’ complete severance from Great Britain played a major role in his brief term at the head of the Continental Congress, as heated debate was sparked and he consequently stepped down in 1779. Despite this, Jay went on to enforce the Treaty of Paris, thus ending the revolutionary war with Great Britain alongside Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. In 1783, America’s independence was officially secured thanks to his and the founding fathers’ efforts.
He continued to contribute to America’s foundation with five essays in Hamilton and Madison’s famous Federalist Papers. Jay alluded to the fact that he would’ve gladly added more if it weren’t for falling severely ill before the publishing.
Jay wasn’t finished with his career yet, as he participated in the Constitution’s ratification movement in 1788 and 1789. His accomplishments led to President George Washington nominating him as the first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court.
His versatility as a politician began to falter as he attempted to mend oversea affairs with Britain’s Royal Navy and Anglo-American relations. Controversy erupted, and Jay faded out of the political realm after recognizing his welcome was overstayed.
Overall, John Jay may have faced a handful of pitfalls in his political run, but remained determined to land just as many remarkable accomplishments in forwarding America’s growth among our celebrated founding fathers.
