There were other judicial offices which the politicians were anxious to control. On December 27, 1817, William Pitt Preble wrote to Holmes that there was an impression that a national bankrupt act would be passed, and urged him to see to it that the appointment of the commissioners of bankruptcy should not be given to the district judges. ‘Our situation as to our judge [Sewall] in this district,’ he said, ‘you very well know, and also that there are other districts in which the political creed of the judges are [sic] not less exceptionable.’ Mr. Preble then says if the power of appointment is given to the President, ‘permit me to suggest to you the names of three gentlemen of our friends and acquaintances whose intelligence, integrity, standing and political soundness entitle them to the favorable notice of our leading men. I allude to Ashur Ware, Esquire, Woodbury Storer, Esquire, and Ether Shepley, Esquire. With respect to the soundness of the policy of aiding and assisting younger men of enterprising talents there can be no question. After all, our dependence is on this class of our citizens and if we are governed by personal considerations, I am satisfied the best mode of establishing and enlarging our own personal influence is to afford countenance and aid to such men. The old Dons have had their day and their reward. Besides they are not so capable as our younger men and would not do so much honor to the appointment.’ ”

Reference Data:

Maine: A History, Vol. 1, by Maine Historical Society, American Historical Society, 1919, page 139