(FIRST CONGRESS) GUSTAVUS SCOTT (d. 1801) Maryland lawyer, member of the Continental Congress, and one of the founders of the Potomac Canal Company in 1784. Scott was one of the original commissioners who supervised the erection of the public buildings at Washington. Fine content A.L.S. "Gusts Scott ", 3pp. 4to., Cambridge, [Md.], Apr. 12, 1789 to an unknown correspondent concerning the new Congress which was then just convening in New York, and the prospect of his receiving a judicial post. He writes in part: "I think there is some Ground to suppose that amidst the various names that will appear at New York previous to the Appointments for the new Judiciary that my name may appear unless it should be apparent that a majority of the Senate would not join the appointment. I have had a good deal of Conversation on this subject with Mr Henry & have written to Mr. Carroll, Collo. Grayson, Mr. Gale, & Mr. Levey [?] on the Subject. What Chance I may have of success, or upon what principles these appointments will be made by the Senate is a subject very difficult of me to determine... " At the time, Scott was a member of the Maryland Assembly, a duty he was finding quite tiresome "...which is indeed rendered more wretched by each succeeding session of Assembly... " He thought a judicial appointment "...with a tolerable Salary, would no doubt be very desirable... " As to his chances of attaining this comfortable position would "depend, on the number of Offices to take place & the number of applicants from each State. This subject has no doubt been discuss'd since the meeting of the members...& the names of many of the Candidates for appointments in the Judiciary have been publicly mentioned. I shall be particularly obliged to you to give me the fullest information you can on this subject, especially as to the Applications from this State, as I am fully persuaded, equality of Emolument in Office & in every other respect...will be attended by the President... ". According to Congressional records, Smith's name never did appear in connection with a judicial post. Smith's involvement with the Potomac Company would have likely brought him into close contact with Washington, so he obviously enjoyed good political connections. Indeed when Maryland attempted to borrow funds to erect the public buildings in Washington, the state's credit was so bad, that Smith's credit was used for the purpose. In the end it was his own humbleness that may have prevented him from obtaining the office: "It is the Corner Stone on which my Conduct will be regulated. If any Gentleman should apply who in my own opinion who ought to have a preference to me, whatever might be my Chance of appointment I would by no means stand in his way. I therefore cannot with propriety endeavour to press forward until I am more fully informed on this subject... ". Usual folds, a few minor toned spots, otherwise very clean and bright and in fine condition. $700-900