To James Madison from Asher Robbins, 5 August 1824
From Asher Robbins
Newport, Rhode Island August 5th. 1824
Dear Sir,
I begin with begging your pardon for the liberty I have taken in addressing you on the subject of this letter. The favorable opinion of me, which you have manifested on more than one occasion, and the very high value which I set upon that opinion, has induced me thereto. It is respectfully to request, that you would be pleased to communicate that opinion to President Munro, with the veiw now to be mentioned. The office of District Judge for this District, has become vacant by the death of Judge Howell;1 which has recently taken place; my friends are about recommending me to the favorable consideration of the President for this appointment; your concurring opinion in favor of my fitness for the place, would confer upon me an obligation, which I should always feel with peculiar sensibility. With sentiments of perfect esteem and heart felt gratitude—I remain your obed. Servt.
Asher Robbins
RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.
1. David Howell (1747–1824) was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1766. He was professor of natural philosophy and mathematics at Rhode Island College from 1769 to 1779 and maintained his ties with the college throughout his life. He practiced law from 1768 as well. Howell served in the Continental Congress, 1782–85, where he knew JM, and as associate justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, 1786–87. JM appointed him U.S. district judge of Rhode Island in 1812, and he retained that office until his death (James McLachlan, Princetonians, 1748–1768: A Biographical Dictionary [Princeton, N.J., 1976], 562–67). For Howell’s republicanism and his antipathy for Robbins, see Howell to JM, 26 Nov. 1810, , 3:27–28.