Early Governors' Papers

Columbia, T. Dec^r. 17^th

Paid 18 1/2

To His Excellency Jos. McMinn Governor of Tennessee [Knoxville?]

Prayer [?] Pet. granted

Aberdeen Jany. 17^th 1849

My Dear Sir Some two days since I wrote to you advising o fmy intention to apply for a Judgeship in California [?] under the Territorial or State Government, which ever may be first formed & fearing that this letter may not reach you, as the waters are high & mail uncertain from frequent failures lately, and a private opportunity offers by my friend Doct. Anderson, & have conclude to write again -

I have availed myself of all the information to be obtained in reference to the Country, have reflected upon the matter [materiely?] weighing everything pro. & con. & have deliberately concluded that my interest & that of my family would be promoted by getting the office & removing to that Country. It is true I am profesionally doing [?] [?] well here. Consdiering the amount of business, but I am [not?] making enough to educate my children as I desire, & set [them up?] in the world, or in the [?] of my [?] of my death to enable my wife to do so - I think I could [afford?] these by going to California - Again I do not wish all my life to ^be bound like a horse to a treadmill. I desire to [presentment?] this I cannot expect here, in the state is [?] Co. & in all probablity will remain so. to have an opportunity of rising in a new country, aded by that character, & influence a Judge =ship would afford is another inticement [sic]- I have not made my intentions known here except to one or two I can if necessary get the recommendation of the Bench & Bar of the North Miss & presume I could also in Middle Tenn. on at least in Nashville, Columbia & Pulaski -