Peter Augustus Jay (diplomat)

Peter Augustus Jay (January 24, 1776 – March 3, 1843) was an American lawyer, judge, and diplomat. He was the eldest son of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States, and Sarah Livingston Jay.

Born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, Peter Augustus Jay graduated from Columbia College in 1794. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, practicing law in New York City.

Jay served as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1816 and 1817. He was appointed Recorder of New York City in 1819 and served until 1821.

From 1821 to 1826, Jay served as U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Spain. His diplomatic efforts were largely focused on resolving outstanding claims between the United States and Spain arising from the Napoleonic Wars and the Spanish-American wars of independence.

Upon his return to the United States, Jay became involved in various civic and philanthropic activities. He was a prominent member of the New-York Historical Society and served as its president from 1840 to 1843. He was also active in the American Bible Society and other religious and charitable organizations.

Peter Augustus Jay married Mary Rutherfurd Clarkson on July 29, 1807. They had several children. He died in New York City in 1843 and is buried at the Jay Cemetery in Rye, New York. He inherited the family estate, "The Locusts," in Rye, New York, which remains a significant historical site.