OLIVER WOLCOTT JR. (1760-1833). Son of Signer Oliver Wolcott Sr.; Second U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1795-1800), serving in Cabinets of both Presidents George Washington and John Adams; Governor of Connecticut (1817-1827).
September 23, 1796-Dated Federal Period, Autograph Letter Signed, "Oliv. Wolcott Jr.", as Secretary of the Treasury, 1 page, measuring 8.1” x 10”, Treasury Department, to William Ellery, Signer of the Declaration of Independence with Integral Cover marked “Private”, Choice Very Fine+. In this letter, also internally marked "Confidential", Wolcott asks Ellery for recommendations of candidates to fill a vacant District Court Seat, for the consideration of the President (George Washington). Fine. Docketing in William Ellery's hand on the reverse. Wolcott's letter reads, in full:

"(Confidential) -- Treasury Department, September 23d, 1796 -- Sir,

By the decease of Judge Marchant, the important office of District Judge has become vacant. For the purpose of being enabled to convey information to the President, I request you to favor me with your sentiments of the qualifications & pretensions of such persons as have occurred to you as being proper candidates. It may also be useful to suggest whatever you deem important to be known, of any person, who may be brought into the President's view on this occasion. Your letter will be no otherwise used than for the President's information. -- I am with great respect - Sir - Your Most Obedient Servant (Signed) Oliv. Wolcott Jr."

Noted to be sent to William Ellery Esquire at bottom left. Beautifully handwritten and addressed completely by Oliver Wolcott, Jr., written in rich brown ink on clean laid period paper. His signature, "Oliv. Wolcott Jr.", measures nearly 3” long inclusive of his flourish below.

[Federal Period, Early Republic, George Washington Administration] [Declaration of Independence Signers, Federal Judiciary, Treasury Department] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Autograph Letters Signed]