Letter to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney from George Washington, May 24, 1796.

Letter to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney from George Washington, May 24, 1796.

1791-05-24

In this private letter, George Washington asks if either Charles Cotesworth Pinckney or Edward Rutledge will accept the office of Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court (recently vacated by John Rutledge).

2023-01-06

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Ms. 178, George Washington Correspondence

Ms178let02

Columbia May 24th 1791.

Gentlemen –

Private

An address to you jointly on a subject of the following nature may have a singular appearance

but that singularity will not exceed the evidence which is thereby given of my opinion of, and confidence in you

and of the opinion I entertain of your confidence in, and friendship for each other.

The office lately resigned by the Honble Mr. J. Rutledge in the Supreme Judiciary of the Union remains to be filled. Will either of you two Gentlemen accept it? — and in that case, which of you? It will occur to you that appointments to offices in the recess of the Senate are temporary, but of their confirmation in such a case there can be no doubt.

It may be asked why a proposition similar to this has never been made to you before

this is my answer your friends whom
whom I have often conversed with on like occasions, have always given it as their decided opinion that no place in the disposal of the genl Government could be a compensation for the relinquishment of your private pursuits

or, in their belief would withdraw you from them. In making the attempt, however, in the present instance I discharge my duty, and shall await your answer (which I wish to receive soon) for the issue. Of my sincere esteem & regard for you both I wish you to be assured and that

I am Gentlemen
Your most Obedt. & Affect.
Humble Servant
G. Washington

Chas Cotesworth Pinckney & Edwd Rutledge Esqrs