John Jay Homestead State Historic Site

Size

View Thumbnails

Commission. This document certified the appointment of John Jay as the first Chief Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. For most of the Revolutionary War, the British held New York City, which had been the capital of New York State. On October 16, 1777, the British invaded and burned Kingston, the state's temporary capital. A Council of Safety met at nearby Marbletown on October 17, where they wrote and signed this document, and confirmed Jay's appointment.

Photo: 8 of 25
Commission. This document certified the appointment of John Jay as the first Chief Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. For most of the Revolutionary War, the British held New York City, which had been the capital of New York State. On October 16, 1777, the British invaded and burned Kingston, the state's temporary capital. A Council of Safety met at nearby Marbletown on October 17, where they wrote and signed this document, and confirmed Jay's appointment.