To John Jay from John Marshall, 22 December 1800
From John Marshall
Department of State Decr. 22d. 1800
Sir
The President, anxious to avail the United States of your services as chief Justice, has nominated you to the senate for that important office, now vacant by the resignation of Mr. Ellsworth.1
In the hope that you may be prevaild on to accept it, I feel peculiar satisfaction in transmitting to you the commission.2 With very much respect & esteem I am, Sir your Obedt. Servt.
J Marshall
His Excellency John Jay New York
ALS, ICN (EJ: 13400). Endorsed: “Secy of State, 22 Decr. 1800 / with Comn. of Ch. Justice.” PJMar, 6: 42. For JJ’s reply, see his letter to Marshall of 2 Jan. 1801, below.
1. For JJ’s appointment as chief justice, see JA to JJ, 19 Dec., and the editorial note “Jay Declines a Second Appointment as Chief Justice,” both above.