George Washington President of the United States of America
To all who shall see these Presents – Greeting
Whereas the Office of one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States is at present vacant, Know Ye, that reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Wisdom, Uprightness, and Learning of Thomas Johnson of Maryland, I do appoint him one of the Associate Justices of the said Supreme Court of the United States, and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil [sic] the duties of that Office according to the Constitution and Laws of the said United States; and to have and to hold the said Office, with all the Powers, Privileges, and Emoluments to the same of Right appertaining, unto him the said Thomas Johnson during his good Behaviour [sic], and until the end of the next Session of the Senate of the United States and no longer.
In Testimony whereof I have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand the fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Sixteenth.
By the President
Go. [George] Washington
Th. [Thomas] Jefferson
