[1] On August 10, 1781, Congress selected Robert R. Livingston, a delegate from New York, as the first Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

John Jay retained the post on an interim basis, pending the return of Thomas Jefferson from France.

This is based on the difference between dates; if counted by number of calendar days all the figures would be one greater.

Daniel Webster and James G. Blaine are the only secretaries of state to have ever served non-consecutive terms.

Elihu B. Washburne served as secretary of state for less than two weeks before becoming ambassador to France.