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The Federalist Papers
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First of the Federalist Papers published

On this day in 1787, the first of eighty-five essays, collectively known as The Federalist Papers, appears in New York newspaper, the Independent Journal.

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote the Papers under the pen name “Publius.”
The aim was to provide the rationale for ratification of Constitution. Thirty-eight of the forty-one delegates signed our founding document at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in September.

Newspapers around the country reprinted the essays, then a bound edition of The Federalist essays was published in 1788.

Next, what follows are a few examples of faith found in The Federalist Papers.
(The personal faith of each of the authors is highlighted in previous Our Lost Founding posts.)

Federalist No. 2

“Providence has in a particular manner blessed [America] with a variety of soils and productions, and watered it with innumerable streams, for the delight and accommodation of its inhabitants.”

“I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people–a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.”

“This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren, united to each other by the strongest ties, should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.”

Federalist No. 37

“The real wonder is that so many difficulties should have been surmounted, and surmounted with a unanimity almost as unprecedented as it must have been unexpected. It is impossible for any man of candor to reflect on this circumstance without partaking of the astonishment. It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution.”

Federalist No. 43

“[T]he great principle of self-preservation… the transcendent law of nature and of nature’s God, which declares that the safety and happiness of society are the objects at which all political institutions aim, and to which all such institutions must be sacrificed.”

 

The Federalist Papers

 

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John Jay Supreme Court

First Supreme Court Established

On this day in 1789, the Judiciary Act of 1789 establishes the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. Congress passed the act and then President George Washington signed it.

Additionally, the Act contains the phrase “so help me God” four times.

Originally, Article 3 of the Constitution established the Supreme Court.

First Supreme Court Chief Justice

Later that day, President Washington nominates John Jay as the first chief justice, as well as five associate justices. Then, all of his appointments were confirmed by the Senate on September 26.

John Jay was one of our founding fathers. As such, he was President of Congress, Secretary of State, Diplomat, Author of the Federalist Papers, and Governor of New York.

Here are just a couple quotes from John Jay that give us an idea how he lived, and perhaps, how he judged:

“The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.”

“I recommend a general and public return of praise and thanksgiving to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend. The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow.”

First Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay

 

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Treaty of Paris page 1
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Providence and Paris : The Trinity and the Treaty

On this day in 1783, representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Spain and France sign the Treaty of Paris. Thus, officially ending the American Revolution.

Back in the previous September, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, began the official peace negotiations with the British.

Here’s the opening of the Treaty:

“In the Name of the most Holy & undivided Trinity.

It having pleased the Divine Providence to dispose the Hearts of the most Serene and most Potent Prince George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg, Arch- Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire etc.. and of the United States of America, to forget all past Misunderstandings and Differences that have unhappily interrupted the good Correspondence and Friendship which they mutually wish to restore;”

Nothing to add.

Well, perhaps, other than this:
Done at Paris, this third day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three.

Treaty of Paris

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John Jay Supreme Court
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Supreme Court : First Meeting, First Chief Justice

On this day in 1790, the Supreme Court of the United States meets for the first time. John Jay, appointed by George Washington, was the first Chief Justice. Jay was a Patriot, a Founding Father, a statesman, and a diplomat. As such, he was one of the signers of the Treaty of Paris.

He wrote this, in part to his eldest son, Peter, in 1784:
The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.

Additionally, Jay also served as President of the Continental Congress and the Governor of New York. In fact, he was the only Founding Father that was also a native New Yorker.

Finally, on June 29, 1826, about three years before his death, he wrote this to the Committee of the Corporation of the City of New York:

“I recommend a general and public return of praise and thanksgiving to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend. The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow.”

John Jay Supreme Court

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Treaty of Paris John Adams John Jay

John Adams and John Jay

On this day in 1779, the Continental Congress appoints John Adams to lead the negotiation of peace and commerce treaties with Great Britain. He was eventually joined by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Jay.

Speaking of Jay, it was also on this day in 1779 that he is appointed minister to Spain in order to gain support for the American Revolution and the recognition of American independence.

Both were part of the Commission that negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Below is an image of a painting of that esteemed Commission.

John Adams John Jay

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