Know Ye; That reposing especial trust and confidence in the Wisdom, Uprightness and Learning of Bushrod Washington of Virginia, I have nominated, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, do appoint him one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that office according to the Constitution and Laws of the said United States, and to have and to hold the said office with all the Powers, Privileges and Emoluments to the same of Right appertaining unto him the said Bushrod Washington during his good Behaviour.

     In Testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made patent and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand the Twentieth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twenty third.