Nicholas Bayard was a government official and slave trader in colonial New York. He served as mayor of New York City from 1685 to 1686 and was a prominent figure due to his relationship with Peter Stuyvesant, his uncle. Bayard belonged to the influential Bayard family, which played a significant role in the city's history into the 20th century. His involvement in trade, including the slave trade, and his political connections marked his impact on the colonial development of New York.