1

Executive Department Tennessee
Knoxville 25 January 1818

Sir

Having been advised of the Death of Judge ^the Honoble [sic] Bennet
Searcy ^one of the Circuit Judges I have to perform the highly responsa
=ble duty of appointing his successor, on this
occation [sic] I have the pleasure to find that
very much of that weight is borne by your
friends, who have voluntarely, and almost
unanimousy as to the whole number the that
have written on the subject, Joined in ex
=pressing their wishes for that you should be
=come the successor of the Deceased departed Judge

This circumstance is heightened in its value
from meeting the entire approbation
of my self, I have therefore forwarded a
commission which hope you will accept.

your ob^t &c

Jos. M.^cMinn