John Jay’s Commission as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, 26 September 1789
John Jay’s Commission as Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court of the United States
[New York, 26 September 1789]
George Washington President of the United States of America
To all who shall see these Presents. Greeting.
Know Ye, that reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Wisdom, Uprightness, and Learning of John Jay of New York Esquire, I have nominated, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, do appoint him Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the Duties of that Office according to the Constitution and Laws of the said United States; And to have and to hold the said Office, with all the Powers, Priveleges, and Emoluments to the same of the Right appertaining, unto him the said John Jay, during his good Behaviour.
In Testimony whereof I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my Hand the twenty sixth Day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty nine.
Go. Washington.
DS, ICN (EJ: 13398); C, DNA: RG 59, Misc. Permanent and Temporary Commissions, Vol. B. (EJ: 13357); C, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. Enclosed in GW to JJ, 5 Oct. 1789, below.