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[Penciled at top of page:] 2 Jarvis

Surry. 26. June 1820.

Sir.

A representative of one of the more Eastern districts on his return from Portland two days since mentioned that the representative of this district had recommended for Justices of the Peace - Moses Hammond of Surry & Geo: Brimmer of Ellsworth. I trust Sir you will not deem me obtrusive in offering unasked my opinion of the candidates, my only motive being to furnish you with information which may enable you to decide with more certainty on the necessity as well as propriety of making these appointments.

Hammond is a staunch Republican & a worthy man but he is very deficient in education & is of no standing in the town. There are at least twenty of his fellow townsmen who are his equals or superiors who are now perfectly satisfied but who would murmur at his being preferred to them.

Besides there is no occasion for a Justice in Surry, we are a quiet people, we have neither priest, lawyer no Store Keeper among us & therefore