[Gen^l Lincoln 18 July 1789 answered 26^th July 1789] Boston 18^th July 1789 Gen^l Lincoln My dear Sir The time will soon arrive when the President must make his nominations for filling up the Seats in the Judiciary department — The eyes of the people have are almost fixed on M^r Lowell for one of the Judges of the Supreme bench — You have I know very much the ear of the President and you perfectly know M^r Lowell whose feelings on the occasion that, although he has the highest sense of the worth &merit of the President, it would be a great relief to him if he coud be freed from a proper application at this you will not wonder when you consider the importance of the Office and that when once it shall be filled with real dignity it must be by persons of great national & acquired abilities, so that when a gentleman comes forward and tenders his own Services it is hazying I possess the great & special necessity to the important trust that you know all men of delicacy would avoid if possible — If you think of him as I do you will as a lover of the general interest recommend him to the President for the Office mentioned he may may be assured Provided M^r Lowell be appointed & it he he would think it too flattering and honorable for him to refuse If a direct application should at last be indispensibly made on the part of M^r Lowell pray let me know it by the first oppy. I am my dear Sir with real esteem your affe: tionate friend, B Lincoln Hon Gen Knox