March 12, 1777, he reported to the convention of New York the draft of a form of government, which was adopted, and many of the provisions of which were introduced into the constitution of other states. From May 3, 1777, to August 18, 1779, he was chief justice of the state, but resigned that office in consequence of his duties as president of congress. The glowing address of that body to their constituents, dated September 8, 1779, was prepared by him. On the 29ih of September, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the court of Spain. He was one of the commissioners to negotiate peace with Great Briiain, and signed the definitive treaty of peace at Paris, September 3, 1783. He returned to America in 1784. Congress had previously appointed him secretary of state for frreign affairs. In the difficult circumstances of the country, the secretary was in effect the head of the government. Mr. Jay's services were of great importance. He drew up, October 13, 1776, an elaborate report on tlie relations between the United States and Great Britain. Though not a member of the convention which formed the constitution of the United States, he was present at Annapolis, and aided by his advice. He also assisted Madison and Hamilton in writing the Federalist. In tlie convention of New York, he contributed to the adoption of the constitution. He was appointed chief justice by Washington, September 26, 1789. In 1794 he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain and succeeded in negotiating the treaty which still goes by his name.