This volume opens in June 1782 with the arrival of John Jay in Paris to join Benjamin Franklin in negotiation of the peace treaty with Great Britain. Exploring Jay’s controversial insistence on British recognition of American independence prior to the opening of negotiations and his disregard of congressional instructions to take no action without the knowledge and consent of France, it examines his unsuccessful negotiations with Spain and the failure to obtain a commercial treaty with Great Britain. It also documents the social and domestic life of the Jays in France and Jay’s visit to England to improve his health and settle a family inheritance. The volume closes with Jay’s homecoming to America, his public acclaim in New York, and his acceptance of the post of secretary for foreign affairs. Access to people, places and events in the volume is facilitated by detailed annotation, illustrations, a biographical directory and a comprehensive index.

The publication of this volume has been supported by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.