From George Washington to Alexander Contee Hanson, 7 March 1796
To Alexander Contee Hanson
Philadelphia 7th Mar. 1796
Sir,
Your letter of the 22d Ulto has been duly received;1 and altho’ it is not usual with me, to answer letters of application for offices or to assign reasons for non-compliance; yet, from the respectability of your character, I depart from it in the present instance: and doing so, candour requires I should add, that it would be inexpedient to take two of the Associate Judges from the same State.2 The practice has been (founded I conceive in sound policy) to dissiminate them through the United States.
I have not mentioned, nor shall I mention, the application you have made. I keep no copy of this letter, & that your own may never appear, I transmit it to you, to be disposed of as you shall think proper. With sentiments of esteem & regard I am Sir Your Obedient Hble Serv.
Go: Washington
ALS, PHi: Dreer Collection.
1. Hanson’s letter has not been found.
2. Samuel Chase, recently appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, was, like Hanson, from Maryland.