5603. NAMES, Bestowal of.—[continued].
There is one * * *
mode of recording merit, which I have often
thought might be introduced, so as to gratify
the living by praising the dead. In giving, for
instance, a commission of Chief Justice to
Bushrod Washington, it should be in consideration
of his integrity, and science in the laws,
and of the services rendered to our country
by his illustrious relation, &c. A commission
to a descendant of Dr. Franklin, besides being
in consideration of the proper qualifications
of the person, should add that of the great services
rendered by his illustrious ancestor, Benjamin
Franklin, by the advancement of science,
by inventions useful to man, &c.—
To Dr. Benjamin Rush. Washington ed. iv, 335.
Ford ed., vii, 459.
(M.
1800)
