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Aberdeen Jany. 17th 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 -
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I wish you to write me a recommendation similar to the others & enclose it to me on to [?] as you think best. I have been a lawyer fifteen years, & you have known me as such fourteen, [?] I went to Pulaski in June or July 1834-
I have no doubt your recommendation woul dhave mor einfluence with Genl. Taylor than any other person in Tenn. from your position & character as a lawyer & politician.
I wish you to advise me what course to pursue in order properly to make the application. I wihs to do it at once in order to be the first & further to get some apearance [sic] of the appointment so that I may sell out any land & other property which can =not be done at once, but requires time to prevent a sacrifice. It may be a Bill [wile?] [pass?] the present Congress establishing a government over there, if so the appointment would be made immediately after the 4th of March -
If you think it advisable mention it to Genl. Taylor when in Nashville unless you would have some delicacy in so doing - Exercise your own judgment & feelings about that [SW?] bill & Genl. [Baisiro?]. I doubt not would aid me & I should be glad for you to write to Crozier & Haskell, the would do anything you wish - You can also get the recommendation of Judge [?] & [?] & the Nashville Bar & those who know [not?] in attendance on [the?] Supreme Court, if you think it advisable & it will not give yout oo much trouble -
I have my heart very much in this matter & rely upon you very much, both your advice & aid. Should I get hte appointment, I might have it in my power to [return?] your kindness. if not I shall [not?] the
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[less?] appointed it -
I give you a Carte blanche to do in this matter as you think but hoping & believing that you will aid me all you can -
If you think it advisable to get recommendations from [here?] let me know in what form [?] generally from the Bench & Bar, on from them individually to members of Congress - or both -
As Mr. Polk made all of his appointments in Oregon from the [Nov?] slaveholding states. I pressure Genl. Taylor will work those in California from the slaveholding states -
It might probably be as will for you to send on to Mr. Bell [yours?] & other recommendations, [write?] me fully.
My regards to Mrs. Brown & the family
Your friend [?] Goode
To Genl. N. S. Brown
N.B. I shall of course desire our of the highest judicial officers to be filled -