Amos T. Akerman to Joseph R. Lewis, 2 June 1871

June 2, 1871. Hon. Joseph R. Lewis, Associate Justice New Mexico, Washington, Iowa. Sir: Your letter of the 22d ult. requesting a leave of absence for ninety days after the commencement of your term as Associate Justice in New Mexico, is received. Since the leave was granted to you last winter as a Judge in Idaho, the President has issued an order laying restrictions upon the Departments on the subject of leaves of absence to Territorial officers. There has been much complaint from New Mexico of the absence of Territorial Judges. Since relieved of your Judgeship in Idaho, you have had, it seems to me, ample time for attending to your private concerns. I do not, therefore, feel at liberty to grant the leave which you request. Very respectfully, A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.