Peter Jay to John Jay, 16 January 1764

Rye 16 January 1764–€”

Dear Johnny.

Your letter 1 and the Boy were immediately sent to M r . Punderson, who I–€™ve not seen since but am informed that he is well pleased with him. 2

Seal the inclosed before you deliv r : it to M r . Kissam and you may conclude an agreem nt with him, viz t :

To pay him £200 when the time of y r . being with him Commences, that is, immediately after the passing of y r Degrees at College in May next, tho perhaps he will not require the whole Sum to be then paid, & be satisfyed to have it in two payments, but leave that to himself to do therein as he chuses.

To engage for 5 years, (if his agreem t w th . the Lawyers don–€™t allow less), but that you shall be at Liberty to apply the two last to the Study of the Law and attend the Office occasionally so as to be no hindrance to y r . Study and to which I believe M r . Kissam can have no Objection, considering the Sum he requires.

If not you should immediately proceed to Articles of Agreem t :, it will be necessary to have it inserted that if either of you should dye before the time of your being with him commences, that in that Case the whole Agreem t . shall be void, as it would ^ not ^ be then reasonable that the money should be paid. On the whole you must agree in the best manner you can, but I would allow that in case the Lawyers do soon come to another agreem t : (in consequence of some not approv g : the last made by M r . Kissam & others) whereby a less sum than ^ £ ^ 200: is to be required, it will then be reasonable that M r . Kissam do lower his demand accordingly–€”

On receipt hereof you must require M r . Hays–€™s final ans r : and if he leaves the house then ^ immediately ^ put up An Advertisem t . over the Door and also in Weymans and Gains papers–€”If Ernest or any other Person have a mind to take it, you must let me know what is offer–€™d for the whole house, and how much, if I reserve the Room over the Parlour for you & room in the yard for abo t . 4 Cords of Wood. 3 I am, Dear Johnny, Y r Affect e . Father

Peter Jay