In its composition, public opinion as well as intrinsic worth had been consulted, and a high degree of character had been combined with real talent.
In the selection of persons for high judicial offices, the President was guided by the same principles.

At the head of this department he placed Mr.John Jay.
From the commencement of the revolution, this gentleman had filled a large space in the public mind.

Remaining, without intermission, in the service of his country, he had passed through a succession of high offices, and, in all of them, had merited the approbation of his fellow citizens.

To his pen, while in congress, America was indebted for some of those masterly addresses which reflected most honour upon the government; and to his firmness and penetration, was to be ascribed, in no inconsiderable degree, the happy issue of those intricate negotiations, which were conducted, towards the close of the war, at Madrid, and at Paris.

On returning to the United States, he had been appointed secretary of foreign affairs, in which station he had conducted himself with his accustomed ability.