Jay and New York’s 1799 Emancipation Law
摘要
Although Jay was a popular governor, he did not use his influence to advance the abolition of slavery, disappointing his former colleagues in the NYMS. A relatively obscure politician, state senator James Watson, played the greatest role in the emancipation process. On the other hand, Senator Jacob Morris, Jay’s political ally, opposed abolition legislation. Ironically, when the gradual emancipation bill passed by a vote of 68 to 23, in January 1799, Republicans were its most prominent supporters.