Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04293 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23.4 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the President's appointments to the judiciary branch. Mentions the possibility of a Mr. [likely John] Lowell being nominated for the Supreme Court, and provides his opinions on that appointment.
Boston 18t. July 1789
My dear Sir
The hour will soon arrive when the President must make his nominations for filling up the Seats in the judiciary department. The eyes of the people here are much fixed on Mr Lowell for one of the judges of the Supreme bench - You have I know very much the ear of the President and you perfectly know Mr. Lowell whose feelings are such on the occasion that, although he has the highest sense of the worth & merit of the President, [2] [inserted: yet] it would be a great relief to him if he would be freed from a personal application at this you will not wonder when you consider the importance of the office and that when ever it shall be filled with real dignity it must be by persons of great natural & acquired abilities so that when a gentleman comes forward and renders his own services it is Saying I profess the qualifications necessary to the important trust this you know all men of delicacy would avoid if possible - If you think of him as I do you will as a lover of the general interest recommend him to the President for the office mentioned He may [3] be assured should Mr Lowell be appointed to it [he] he would think it too flattering and honorable for him to refuse If a direct application should at last be indispensible on the part of Mr Lowell pray let me know it by the first oppy
I am my dear Sir
with real esteem
your affectionate
friend
B Lincoln
Hon Gen Knox
[docket]
Genl Lincoln
18 July 1789
answered 26th July
1789
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