Amos T. Akerman to D. B. Johnson, Jr., 16 August 1871

Aug. 16, 1871. Hon. D. B. Johnson, Jr. Austin, Minn. Sir: I have received your letter of the 7th instant, accepting the Justiceship of the Supreme Court of New Mexico, and enclosing a copy of your oath. By reference to the 12th section of the organic Act, (9 U. S. Stat. 450-1) you will see that the oath is to be taken before the Governor, Secretary, or some Judge or Justice of the Territory. I am not aware that this Act has been repealed. The salary is fixed by the Act of June 17, 1870 at ($3000) Three thousand dollars. The Judges of the Territories divide the Territories into Judicial Districts, by an arrangement between themselves, and hence I am not able to say what counties your District includes, though I believe they are at some distance from Santa Fé. It is desirable that you should proceed as soon as possible to the Territory, as I am informed that in your District there have been one or two failures to hold the courts, and business is no doubt in arrears. I think also that upon general principles it is desirable that Territorial officers should be constantly among the people whom they serve. Very respectfully, A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.