Early Opposition to Slavery.--Growth of the Slave Power.--The Missouri Compromise.--Jay begins Political Agitation for the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia. 18 CHAPTER III. Development of the Antislavery Movement.--Organization of Antislavery Societies.--Anti-Abolition Riots.--Jay publishes his "Inquiry." 39 CHAPTER IV. Continued Efforts to suppress the Antislavery Movement by Force and Intimidation.--Favourable Effect upon the Public Mind produced by Jay's Writings. 63 CHAPTER V. Gradual Decline of Riotous Demonstrations against the Abolitionists.--Changes occur in the Doctrines and Methods of the American Antislavery Society.--Judge Jay resigns his Membership, while continuing his Efforts on Behalf of Emancipation. 82 CHAPTER VI. Judge Jay continues to support the Antislavery Cause by his Advice and Writings.--In Consequence of his Opinions he is deprived of his Seat on the Bench.--His Visit to Europe.--His Views on the Liberty Party.--On the Annexation of Texas.--His "Review of the Mexican War."--His Advocacy of International Arbitration as a Remedy for War.--His Work in the Episcopal Church. 112 CHAPTER VII. Unpopularity of the Abolitionists.--The Compromises of 1850 and the Fugitive-Slave Law.--Jay's Reply to Webster's 7th of March Speech.--The Attitude of the Episcopal Church.--The Abrogation of the Missouri Compromise.--Disunion. 135 CHAPTER VIII. Death of Judge Jay.--His Position among Antislavery Men.--His other Public and Philanthropic Interests.--His Private Life.--His Character. 156 Bibliography 171 Index 175 Appendix 184 ILLUSTRATIONS. William Jay, from a crayon by Martin _Frontispiece._ View of Bedford House, the home of Judge Jay 9 Chief-Justice Jay, from a painting by Gilbert Stuart 39 William Jay, from a painting by Vanderlyn 81 William Jay, from a painting by Wenzler 135 Mrs. William Jay, from a painting by W. E. West 164 WILLIAM JAY. CHAPTER I. BIRTH AND EDUCATION OF WILLIAM JAY.--HIS EARLY PHILANTHROPIC INTERESTS.--APPOINTED JUDGE OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.