1

Private

Jonesborough Feby 5^th 1819 -

Dear Sir

Accompanying this you will
receive my acceptance of the commission
enclosed in your's of the 20^th Ult^o together with
that letter of which you wished a copy but
not having time to copy it before the mail
leaves this I enclose the original which you
can return me when we meet - You will
readily believe that it has not been without
hesitation that I have ventured on an
acceptance of so laborious an office under
existing circumstances, but so far as I have
received any information on the subject
I have ^been induced to believe that my acceptance
will give as general satisfaction as can be
expected on this side the mountain- how it
will be with you I cannot say - The
Courts in this Circuit commence at Greeneville
on the first monday in March it will
therefore be necessary to appoint my successor
as early as practicable. I have not been
able to ascertain as yet with certainty
who is willing to accept the office. From
what I have lately heard I have reason
to believe Judge Powell will & if so I presume
no person would be more satisfactory acceptable
I will endeavour to have you informed of
the Sentiments of the Bar here by the