To George Washington from David Campbell, 10 April 1796
From David Campbell
Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio
April 10th 1796
Sir
It is already known to you that the people of this Territory are taking measures to become a member of the Federal Government by the name of the State of Tennessee. If their wishes are acceded to by Congress, my appointment as one of the Judges for the Territorial Government will cease.1
In that event, if you think me a proper person to fill the Office of District Judge for the State of Tennessee I will gratefully accept of the same.2 I am with verry great Respect Your Obt Servt
David Campbell
ALS, DLC:GW. A notation on the cover indicates that a “Mr Fisk” carried this letter.
1. For Campbell’s appointment as one of two judges for the Southwest Territory, see GW to the U.S. Senate, 7 June 1790.
2. Following Tennessee’s admission as a state, Campbell again wrote GW on 15 Oct. 1796 seeking nomination as “District Judge” on the basis of prior judicial service performed “with strict attention & fidelity” (DLC:GW). GW instead appointed the other territorial judge, John McNairy.