Mr James Priestly of Kentucky has signifyed his willingness to acept of the office of judge in the Illinois Territory—I have not an intimate personal acquaintance with Mr Priestly but from his character & the little I know of him personally I have no hesitation in saying that he would fill the office with propriety & would be a great acquisition to the territory—As to his literary & scientific attainments he is perhaps not inferior to any man in the nation—He is probably between forty six & fifty years of age & tho, not by profession a la[wyer] [. . .] part of his life [. . . .]study law & obtain license to practice—His moral character is without blemish & his political principles unexceptionable—If there is a difference in the grades of the judges his age & the respectability of his character would perhaps give him a claim to the first

I understand Mr N. Pope has been recommended to the office of Secretary for the Territory—From his residence in that country, the amiableness of his manners, his popularity there, & his other qualifycations he would in my opinion be a judicious selection—

I have the honour to be with great respect & esteem Your obt St