George Hay (December 17, 1765 – September 21, 1830) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Education and career

Born December 17, 1765, in Williamsburg, Colony of Virginia, British America, Hay read law. He entered private practice in Petersburg, Virginia, from 1787 to 1801. He continued private practice in Richmond from 1801 to 1803. He was the United States Attorney for the District of Virginia from 1803 to 1816. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1816 to 1822. He resumed private practice in Washington, D.C. from 1822 to 1825. Hay was a close confidant to his father-in-law, James Monroe, especially during the Missouri Crisis. During the Crisis, he anonymously penned a series of pro-slavery essays for publication in the South's leading newspaper, under the title, "For the Enquirer. Missouri Question."

Notable case

During his service as United States Attorney, Hay served as prosecutor during the trial of Aaron Burr.

Advocacy

Hay was an advocate for freedom of the press, and became known for his defense of James T. Callender at Callender's Sedition trial. Hay became a strong advocate of slavery and authored a series of heavily proslavery pieces during the Missouri Crisis under the penname of "An American."

Federal judicial service

Hay received a recess appointment from President John Quincy Adams on July 5, 1825, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia vacated by Judge St. George Tucker. He was nominated to the same position President Adams on December 13, 1825. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 31, 1826, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on September 21, 1830, due to his death in Richmond.

Family

In 1808, Hay married Eliza Kortright Monroe, daughter of President James Monroe. They had one child whom reached adulthood, Hortensia.

Quotes

Sources