The faithful representation of the subscribers Citizens of the county of Knox in the Indiana Territory most respectfully sheweth.

That whilst they explicitly acknowledge your constitutional right to nominate a Citizen to be first Judge of the Territory they cherish a hope that the expression of their wishes on a subject which so deeply effects the lives and fortunes of the Citizens will receive the approbation and consideration of the enlightened and philanthropic President of the United States.

Impressed with these sentiments, and maturely considering the circumstances of the Territory as well in relation to the Union as to the internal administration of the laws; They beg leave to represent to you that the appointment of a Citizen who should possess a profound knowledge of the laws, who has for years been a distinguished practioner in some of the Superior Courts of the United States and who should be unacquainted and unallied in the Territory, would universally be approved as the most likely to be Competent in that important station by correct decisions in the application of the laws, to establish a resulting confidence in the minds of the Citizens which is so essentially necessary to promote the tranquility and prosperity of man under a Government of laws.

Relying with confidence that the regard to public Good which your administration has evinced you make the rule of your conduct in the highest concerns of the Nation, will alone actuate you in the selection of a suitable character in the present instance—Your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray