From George Washington to David Brearley, 7 July 1780
To David Brearley
Head qrs near posaick Falls [N.J.] July 7th 1780
Dr Sir
I have to request that You will be so obliging as to inform me by the earliest opportunity, at what time You accepted the appointment of Chief Justice of this State. My reason for this request is, A Board of General Officers have determined on a late occasion, that Several Officers in the Jersey line ought to take rank from that time—and that reference should be had to You to fix it.1 I have the Honor to be with great respect & regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt sert
Go: Washington
Df, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
Brearley replied to GW from Trenton on 11 July: “Your favor of the 7th instant I have received, in answer to which, I am to inform your Excellency, that I was sworn into Office as Chief-Justice the fourth day of August last” (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 3992).