Benjamin Helm Bristow to Isham Reavis, 27 September 1871

Sept. 27, 1871. Hon. Isham Reavis, Associate Justice Arizona City, A. T. Sir: I have received your letter of the 11th instant, detailing the circumstances of your recent absence from your Territory, for the purpose of visiting your sick child in Nebraska, and asking that the Department will sanction your absence, although permission to be absent from your post had not previously been granted you. In view of the many complaints made on account of the Judges being absent from their Districts, and by reason of the Executive Order on this subject, the Department must be rigid in regard to granting such leaves to the Judicial officers in the Territories. However, I can appreciate the feelings of a father in wishing to visit the bedside of his sick child—and in consideration of the necessity of your absence on this occasion, and the purpose for which you left the Territory, cannot do otherwise than approve of your action. Very respectfully, &c. B. H. Bristow, Solicitor General & Acting Attorney General.