To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 1 February 1806
From Richard Bland Lee
Sully Feby. 1 1806
Dear Sir,
I have just heard that a vacancy has lately happened on the Judicial Bench of Columbia, in consequence of Chief Justice Kilty being appointed chancellor of Maryland.1 I have some times thought—that I was qualified to fill one of the junior seats on that Bench—and at present, the appointment thereto would prove agreeable, and might be useful to my young family whose education begins to call for particular attention; the means of which are sparingly afforded in Country situations. I therefore have taken the liberty of hinting my wish to you—and to you only it is made—under the confidence of that cordial esteem which has always governed my mind towards you.
I am very sensible—that many difficulties must be surmounted—and that already the appointment may be made or promised—as it rarely happens that a successor is not found for an office before the Occupant quits it. Some objections may also be made—politically and personally—as to the first—Among the virtuous of all Parties, variance of opinion will be always respected as the right of freemen, & when maintained with decency and firmness, tolerated especially by those who have obtained & enjoy an undisputed victory: But on this point—except as to one or two measures of considerable moment I have been one of those who have been satisfied with the general conduct of the present administration: And I shall never pledge myself to an indiscriminate approbation of any administration.
Personally it may be objected that I never practiced law—I studied it with some attention & very unwisely suffered myself to be drawn from the practice to the vain & unprofitable pursuits of another kind. In which I wasted the most precious portion of my time. I have however for a long time acted as a county court Magistrate & in a short time feel confident of being able to qualify my self for the station I solicit.
This letter is written in haste & confidence—and the subject of it is committed to your delicacy & friendship so to be managed, if not to my advantage at all events not to my injury.
I am happy to hear that Mrs. Madison has returned recovered. I have been much confined at home—in consequence of Mrs. Lee’s indisposition who about two months ago was delivered of a son. She is now much better, & unites in sincere good wishes to yr. self Mrs. M. Mrs. P. & our other friends at yr. house with yr. obt Sert
Richard Bland Lee
P.S. Should it be thought improper to appoint me I shall deem it a favor if Mr. Edmd. J. Lee2 should receive it. He has never been [illegible] in Political scenes—and in character & talents well qualified.
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9, filed under “Lee”). Cover marked “Private”; docketed by Jefferson.
1. William Cranch received the appointment as chief justice of the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia in the place of William Kilty in 1806. Harvard graduate Cranch (1769–1855) was the son of Abigail Adams’s sister, Mary Smith and was admitted to the bar in Boston. He was named an assistant judge of the district circuit court by John Adams in 1801 and served in that place until his death. London-born William Kilty (1757–1821) was educated in France and brought to the United States shortly before the American Revolution, in which he served briefly. He studied medicine in Annapolis but later took up the practice of law and was appointed chief justice of the District of Columbia circuit court by John Adams in 1801. He served as chancellor of Maryland until his death (, 2:21).
2. College of New Jersey graduate and Alexandria, Virginia, resident Edmund Jennings Lee (1772–1843) was Richard Bland Lee’s younger brother. He was for many years clerk of the District of Columbia circuit court. A devout and conservative Presbyterian, he was active in reform movements in the church. He also served as mayor and common council president in Alexandria and negotiated the town’s surrender to the British in 1814 (Looney and Woodward, Princetonians, 1791–1794, 185–88).