Mount Vernon July 27th 1809
Sir1
I have Just understood from a friend of Mr Edmund Lee of Alexandria,2 that it is his wish to fill the vacancy on the bench of the District Court of Columbia occasioned by the death of Judge Ducket. I have for some years past had the pleasure of more than a common acquaintance with this gentleman and believe that I may with perfect confidence safely introduce3 him to you as a sound lawyer, and a man of the strictest4 integrity.
I have the honour to be with very great respect Sir yr. mo. ob. Servt.
Bush. Washington
Source Note
ALS, DNA: Letters of Application (1809-17); A copy of this letter with minor differences dated July 26th also resides in this collection. Madison endorsed the version dated 27 July.
1. In BW's 26 July draft of this letter, the first sentence after the salutation reads as follows: "I do not know whether in addressing this letter to you I act consistently with the forms established by the President on similar occasions. If I do not, I must rely upon your goodness to excuse an unintentional error."
2. In his draft of this letter BW specified that this was "Edmund J. Lee."
3. In his draft of this letter BW wrote "I can with perfect confidence recommend him," in place of "with perfect safety introduce him."
4. In his draft of this letter BW wrote "unimpeachable " in place of "the strictest."
Note: Because this document is only a verified first-pass transcription, it and the document metadata may still contain errors.
Document Metadata
Date:
-