Wythe to Samuel Huntington, 21 February 1780
George Wythe, responding to a letter sent to him earlier in the month by Samuel Huntington, declines the offer to be a judge on the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture, because it will impede on his other engagements.
Letter text, 21 February 1780
Page 1
Williamsburg, 21 Feb. 1780.
Sir,
Congress, I hope, will excuse me for declining an office, my appointment to which was this day notified to me, because, I must have entered upon it inauspiciously, since I could not have attended to the duties of it without first doing injustice by breaking through some engagements I think myself bound to fulfil. In this business I had the less hesitation as there will be no difficulty in supplying the vacancy with an abler judge, and one less embarrassed. Be pleased, Sir, to acquaint that very respectable assembly with the contents of this, and that I have a proper sense of the honour they designed me, which nothing so much as their opinion could have flattered me into a believe that I deserved. I am,
- Sir, your obedient servant
- G. Wythe.
Page 2
- His Excellency the President of Congress
- Philadelphia.
[endorsed]
Letter for G. Wythe
- Feby 21. 1780
Declining the office of Judge of the Court of Appeals
Read March 13th.
