University of Virginia Library

7685. RUTLEDGE (John), Chief Justice.—[continued].

The appointment of J.
Rutledge to be Chief Justice seems to have
been intended merely to establish a precedent
against the descent of that office by seniority,
and to keep five mouths always gaping for
one sugar plum; for it was immediately negatived
by the very votes which so implicitly concur
with the will of the Executive.—
To James Monroe. Ford ed., vii, 59.
(M. 1796)