Samuel Huntington to Wythe et al., 2 February 1780
Samuel Huntington writes to George Wythe informing him that he has been elected to be one of the judges on the recently established Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture. Because of how much the currency had depreciated by 1780, the salary of judges was not fixed; however, Huntington assures Wythe that it will be satisfactory once it is finally determined. Huntington tells Wythe that the first session will be held in Philadelphia, and that he hopes Wythe's election to the court will not interfere with his other engagements.
Letter text, 2 February 1780
The Honble. George Wythe Esquire
Philad. Feby. 2. 1780
Sir
By the enclosed Acts of Congress of the 15. & 22. Ulto herewith enclosed together with your Commission you will be informed that Congress have constituted & established a Court of appeals for the final Trial & determination of all appeals from the Courts of Admiralty in the Several States in Cases of Capture and that you are elected one of the Judges of that Court.
By reason of the present State of the Currency the Salary of the Judges is not yet fixed, yet there is no doubt their Salaries will be decent and satisfactory at present twelve thousand dollars is to be advanced to each of them for support that they may immediately enter upon the Business of their Office.
The first Session is to be held at Philadelphia as soon as may be to hear & determine the Case already appealed, and afterwards at such times and places as they shall Judge most for the public good any where between Williamsburgh & Hartford inclusive.
I hope the Business may not employ so much of your time as to interfere with your other Engagements and deprive the public of your Service in this important Station, as it may be in the power of the Court to state the Time of their Session convenient for themselves without Injury to the public.
I have only to add, the Election of the Judges was with great unanimity, and I trust will give Satisfaction to all the States.
- I am Sir
- with much Respect & Esteem
- Your hble. Servt.
- S.H. President
NB. The same verbatim to Messers Paca & Hosmer.
