on august 10, 1781, congress put robert r. livingston as the first secretary for foreign affairs. livingston was not able able to go into office until october 20, 1781. he was the secretary of foreign affairs until june 4, 1783. he was succeeded by john jay on december 21, 1784. he served who served until march 4, 1789. jay stopped being the secretary of foreign affairs, when the government went from the articles of confederation to the constitution.