To George Washington from Silas W. Arnett, 29 April 1790
From Silas W. Arnett
New York 29th April 1790.
Sir,
The Judicial system being extended to North Carolina, I take the liberty of offering my services to the United States as their attorney for that district. I have practiced law in that State near seven years & feel a confidence in my abilities to discharge the duties of the office. The honorable Hugh Williamson (who represents the district wherein I live) & the other representatives from the State of North Carolina can vouch for my private Character. I have the honor to be with great esteem, sir, Your most Obedient Servant
S. W. Arnett
ALS, DLC:GW.
Silas W. Arnett (d. 1806) began his career as a printer in New Bern. He took up the practice of law about 1783 and served as a Federalist in the North Carolina Ratifying Convention in 1789 (Bloodworth to GW, 5 June 1790). Arnett did not receive the appointment, which went to John Sitgreaves ( 2:79).
1:47–8). Timothy Bloodworth suggested Arnett, along with four others, as a suitable candidate for U.S. attorney for North Carolina (