Reverdy Johnson uses his new role as Attorney General to help a fellow Maryland resident get a federal job. On March 17, 1849, just two weeks after becoming Attorney General under President Zacary Taylor, Johnson writes to Thomas Ewing, asking the new Treasury Secretary to help Johnson’s former constituent, James Smith, get a job. He signs in full and then initials a postscript.
Condition. Fine. The letter is 2.5 pages of a folded 8vo sheet. An earlier collector/ dealer wrote Johnson’s name in pencil beneath his challenging signature. Other dealer notations in pencil are also on the front. One word is smudged.
Johnson served as Attorney General under Zachary Taylor. He played an important role in keeping Maryland from succeeding and later as a Senator became a leading opponent of slavery. As a prominent attorney, considered a Constitutional authority, he was involved in several important legal disputes, including the Dred Scott case. James Smith would eventually be appointed Provost Marshal of Maryland.
Atty Genl’s Office
17 March ‘49
My Dear Sir:
I take great pleasure in making known to you Mr. James Smith of Md. Mr. S. is a member of the bar, of excellent character & standing. He wishes employment under the Sec. and if you can further this, I shall esteem it a personal favor.
Yours Truly,
Reverdy Johnson
Honorable (Mr or Sec.) Ewing.
I send you this letter he has given me from [a] gentleman worthy of confidence RJ .
[5603]
Reverdy Johnson uses his new role as Attorney General to help a fellow Maryland resident get a federal job. On March 17, 1849, just two weeks after becoming Attorney General under President Zacary Taylor, Johnson writes to Thomas Ewing, asking the new Treasury Secretary to help Johnson’s former constituent, James Smith, get a job. He signs in full and then initials a postscript.
Condition. Fine. The letter is 2.5 pages of a folded 8vo sheet. An earlier collector/ dealer wrote Johnson’s name in pencil beneath his challenging signature. Other dealer notations in pencil are also on the front. One word is smudged.
Johnson served as Attorney General under Zachary Taylor. He played an important role in keeping Maryland from succeeding and later as a Senator became a leading opponent of slavery. As a prominent attorney, considered a Constitutional authority, he was involved in several important legal disputes, including the Dred Scott case. James Smith would eventually be appointed Provost Marshal of Maryland.
Atty Genl’s Office
17 March ‘49
My Dear Sir:
I take great pleasure in making known to you Mr. James Smith of Md. Mr. S. is a member of the bar, of excellent character & standing. He wishes employment under the Sec. and if you can further this, I shall esteem it a personal favor.
Yours Truly,
Reverdy Johnson
Honorable (Mr or Sec.) Ewing.
I send you this letter he has given me from [a] gentleman worthy of confidence RJ .
[5603]
