First Justices of The Court
George Washington (1732-1799)
to the U.S. Senate
Letterbook copy in a clerical hand,
September 24, 1789
Manuscript Division
State Department transfer, 1909 (108.2)
(
November 21, 2002
)
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George Washington nominated John Jay of New York as the first chief
justice and named five other men as associate justices of the newly
established U.S. Supreme Court. President Washington tried to maintain
a geographical and economic balance to the Supreme Court based respectively
on division of northern, middle, and southern states and commercial
and agricultural interests. In making these appointments, Washington
also considered experience in public affairs and attachment to the
new federal Constitution. Washington's letter also nominates federal
district judges, attorneys, and marshalls.
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