From John Jay to William Cushing, 6 August 1793
To William Cushing
New York 6 Augt 17931
Dear Sir
I have been favd. with your’s of the 22d of last month— This morning we assigned the Eastern Circuit to Judge Blair, with whom Judge Wilson is to attend the Courts at Connecticut, R. Island & New Hampshire— the Middle Circuit to Judge Paterson (by agreemt. between him and Judge Wilson)—and the Southern Circuit to You— The latter I think ought first to have been assigned to Judge Wilson— but as you expected and was preparing for it, and the present arrangemts. being in other Respects adviseable, it took place.
During the late Vacation Mr Martin presented me a writ of Error to be allowed— I refused to allow it— To Day he laid it before the Court— They were unanimously of opinion that it ought not to be allowed—and for Reasons too obvious to you, to require being mentioned—2
There are charms in 18 & fine women are the Magicians of modern Times. I should have said the only Magicians of modern Times, and with this advantage over those of antiquity, that they are not indebted for their Fascination, to an improper Correspondence & Intimacy with the Prince of the Power of the Air—3 Be pleased to make my best Complts. to Mrs. Cushing— with very sincere Esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir your affte Friend & Servt
John Jay
The Honb. Judge Cushing
ALS, MHi: R. T. Paine (EJ: 04763). Addressed: “The Hon’ble / Wm. Cushing Esqr. / associate Judge of the U.S.—/ Scituate / Massachusetts”. Marked: “post pd.—” and franked “PAID”. Endorsed.
1. While the dateline gives New York as the place where the letter was written, external evidence indicates that JJ was in Philadelphia for a session of the Supreme Court from at least 5 Aug. 1793, at 11:00 a.m. See Minutes of the Supreme Court, 5–6 Aug., above.
2. On the case Ex Parte Martin, see the editorial note “The Supreme Court: Procedures and Cases,” above.
3. Satan. Ephesians 2:2.