To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown, 30 May 1805
From John Brown
Frankfort 30th. May 1805
Sir
I take the liberty to inclose for your inspection a letter recd. from Judge Cobourn who last Winter made application through me for an appointment to the Bench of some one of the Territories of the U States. At that time I did not know that he had any knowledge of the French Language. Mr Cobourn for several Years past has filled a seat on the Bench of the General Court of this State with great reputation. He read Law under Judge Wilson decd.—is Very Studious—of an independent mind, & of an excellent moral Character.
I have the honor to be Sir Yo Mo obt Sevt.
J. Brown
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Eq. President US.”; endorsed by TJ as received 20 June and “Coburn to be judge Orleans” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: probably John Coburn to Brown, Mason County, 19 Apr.; noting that a judgeship in Orleans Territory might still be open, Coburn requests Brown’s aid; he adds that he has been “tolerable proficient” in French and although not currently conversant in the language, could readily gain speaking fluency (same; endorsed by TJ: “Coburn John. to be judge Orleans”).