University of Virginia Library

3470. GOODRICH (Elizur), Removal of.—

There is one [case] in your State [Connecticut] which calls for decision, and on which
Judge Lincoln will ask yourself and some others
to consult and advise us. It is the case of Mr.
Goodrich, whose being a recent appointment,
made a few days only before Mr. Adams went
out of office, is liable to the general nullification
I affix to them. Yet, there might be reason for
continuing him; or if that would do more harm than good, we should enquire who is the person
in the State who, superseding Mr. Goodrich,
would from his character and standing in
society, most effectually silence clamor, and
justify the Executive in a comparison of the two
characters. For though I consider Mr. Goodrich's
appointment as a nullity in effect, yet
others may view it as a possession and removal,
and ask if that removal has been made to put
in a better man? I pray you to take a broad
view of this subject, consider it in all its bearings,
local and general, and communicate to
me your opinion.—
To Gideon Granger. Ford ed., viii, 44.
(W. March. 1801)

See Bishop.