Justice Robert Cooper Grier to Edwin M. Stanton, October 13, 1864

[Confidential.]

Philadelphia, October 13,1864.

Hon. E. M. Stanton.

Dear Sir, — I have just received your telegram announcing the decease of Chief Justice Taney. Although often differing in opinion with him, I had the highest respect and esteem for him, and sincerely lament his loss.

I see speculations are already rife as to his successor. It is a question in which I feel a deep interest. I know of no man more competent to fill the place, or who deserves it so much as yourself. You have been wearing out your life in the service of your country, and have fulfilled the duties of your very responsible and laborious office with unexampled ability, and I think the President owes it to you, and that you should be suffered to retire in this honorable position. I see the papers are already beginning to put forward the name of Mr. Chase. But I presume the President will not be persuaded thereby that he is the choice either of the bar or the people, or attend to the dictation of journalocracy.

It would give me the greatest pleasure and satisfaction to have you preside on our bench. I am sure you would be the right man in the right place.

I am with much respect and esteem,

Truly yours,

R. C. GRIER.

SOURCE: George Congdon Gorham, Life and Public Services of Edwin M. Stanton, Volume 2, p. 469-70

Robert C. Grier to Edwin M. Stanton, January 13, 1862

Dear Stanton

As soon as I passed the door of the Senate Chamber I was informed of your nomination. It was a secret no longer. Senators had freely communicated the fact. I afterwards met Nelson, Clifford, and Catron at Catron's room. They were talking of your nomination. All agreed you should accept; that it would restore confidence in the nation; your antecedents being known to the President, he should ask no pledge, you should give none, and require none — at present — the great Democratic party of the North and conservative Whigs (now a large majority) would support, strengthen, and hold you up; that you are young strong, & can bear labor, can do great good, and in this crisis your country demands every sacrifice of individual comfort. You can gain great glory if there be success to our arms, and can only sink in the common ruin in case of defeat. I concur with them.

Yours truly,

R. C. Grier

Monday evening,

Jan. 13, 1862

SOURCE: Stanton, Edwin Mcmasters. Edwin McMasters Stanton Papers: Correspondence, 1831 to 1870; 1831, July 19-1862, Jan. 13. 1831. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/mss41202001/, images 303 & 304, (Accessed September 20, 2017.)