His Excellency, W G. Brownlow. Governor of Tennessee

Sir, Enclosed is a recommendation of H. G. Smith, ESQ. for the office of Judge of the Supreme Court. I can only say that no better selection could be made. Mr. Smith is a leaned man and [has liked?] the confidence of the people. I take him to be one of the best lawyers in the State. You know him personally, I suppose, and this recommendation, signed by both political parties, shows the estimate in which he is held at Memphis.

Yours truly, John M. Lea