The quality, deemed most desirable, which it was feared Jay might lack, was audacity.

But he had discretion, tact, and urbanity in full share, besides that indefinable something which went with his being a great gentleman.
The President, writing to Gouverneur Morris, who had recently been recalled as Minister to France, said: My primary objects, to which I have steadily adhered, have been to preserve the country in peace, if I can, and to be prepared for war if I cannot, to effect the first, upon terms consistent with the respect which is due to ourselves, and with honor, justice and good faith to all the world.
Mr.Jay (and not Mr.Jefferson) as has been suggested to you, embarked as envoy extraordinary for England about the middle of May.

If he succeed, well; if he does not, why, knowing the worst, we must take measures accordingly.[1] [Footnote 1: Ford, XII, 436.

Mount Vernon, June 25, 1794.] Jay reached London early in June, 1794, and labored over the treaty with the British negotiators during the summer and autumn, started for home before Christmas, and put the finished document in Washington's hands in March.

From the moment of his going enemies of all kinds talked bitterly against him.