From Alexander Hamilton to John Jay, 11 June 1801
To John Jay
New York June 11, 1801
Dr Sir
Mr. Davies,1 who appreciates your character as he ought, having expressed a desire to be personally acquainted with you, I promised him a letter of introduction. I comply with this promise with the greater pleasure, as the impressions which this Gentleman has made upon me induce me to believe that you will be glad of the opportunity of making his acquaintance. He is Attorney of the UStates for the District of Kentucke, and I am indebted to Chief Justice Marshall2 for the favour of his being introduced to me.
With true respect & regard I have the honor to remain Sir Yr Obed ser
A Hamilton
His Excellency Governor Jay
ALS, Maine Historical Society, Portland.
1. Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, a Federalist lawyer from Danville, Kentucky, was United States attorney for the District of Kentucky from 1800 to 1806. In 1803 Daveiss married John Marshall’s sister, Ann.
2. John Adams nominated Marshall as Chief Justice of the United States on January 20, 1801, and the Senate confirmed the nomination on January 27, 1801 ( , 371, 374). Marshall accepted the appointment on February 4, 1801 (Marshall to Adams [ALS, Adams Family Papers, deposited in the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston]), and he also continued to serve as Secretary of State until March 3, 1801.