Your Commission, appointing me one of the associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, and your very obliging Letter, with which it was accompanied, I have had the Honour of receiving.1

Be assured, Sir, that I entertain a just Sense of the delicate and pleasing Manner, in which you describe the Motives and the Objects of your Choice. Permit me to add—I hope I do it with Justice and without Vanity—that you are correct in your Conjecture concerning the Principles, which lead me to an Acceptance of the Commission.

I have taken the Qualification prescribed by the Law; and hold myself in Readiness to perform the Duties of my Office.

I have the Honour to be, with Sentiments of the highest Respect and Esteem.