To Thomas Jefferson from Newton E. Westfall, 2 December 1807
Indiana December 2nd. 1807
Sir
Seeing that by the death of Thomas T. Davis Esquire first Judge of this Territory, it has become necessary for your Constitutional interposition to fill the Vacancy Occasioned in our Judiciary by this Gentlemans death and veiwing the great inconvenience which has heretofore arisen and the delays in our General Court on a number of instances, in consequence of the absence of Judge Davis from the stated Terms; We take the liberty of recommending General Washington Johnston Esquire as a fit Person to fill the said Office from our intimate Acquaintance with and Knowledge of this Gentleman since his residence in this Country which has been nearly Twelve years during which time he has been in the Practice of the Law—from his standing in Society and Possessions in our Country and from his legal information. We have no hesitation in Assuring You that we think him in every way quallified to fill the said Office. And that the Appointment of this Gentleman wou’d meet our most greatful acknowledgements for yours and the Senates attention to our request
We have the honor to be your most Obedient Servents
Newton E Westfall
and 34 other signatures
I do here by certify that I have signed the above by the request of the subscribers whose names do hereunto appear
N. E. Westfall
DNA: RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.