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The Jay Treaty, also known as Jay's Treaty and the Treaty of London, was a diplomatic attempt to resolve festering differences and deteriorating conditions between the United States and Great Britain. The chief negotiator for the United States was John Jay. Signed on November 19, 1794, and ratified by the Senate on June 24, 1795, the treaty was highly unpopular with the American public. Although the Jay Treaty resolved very little, it did forestall a military confrontation with Great Britain, which eventually occurred in 1812, by which time the U.S. was on firmer footing.

John Jay was a Founding Father and the First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Jay represented New York in the Continental Congress and was an author of the Federalist Papers. He wrote the Constitution of New York and served as Governor from 1795-1801.

Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father and the third President of the United States. He is the author of the Declaration of Independence and founded the University of Virginia. He also served as Governor of Virginia, Virginia Congressman, Minister to France, Secretary of State under George Washington and Vice President under John Adams.

Albert Sidney Johnston, a Confederate commander of the Western Department, became the highest ranking officer on either the Confederate or Union side to die in combat, when he was killed at the Battle of Shiloh, during the American Civil War.