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President Roosevelt discusses his reasons for changing his mind about appointing Edward W. Timberlake for judgeship. All things considered, his first choice is H. F. Seawell, second is T. T. Hicks, and Timberlake is third.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
President Roosevelt has spoken with Judge Jeter Connelly Pritchard about the judgeship in North Carolina’s Eastern District, and both have concluded that Spencer B. Adams is not fit for the position. Roosevelt reports that Pritchard also feels that Edward W. Timberlake, president-elect William H. Taft’s pick, is “not of the right caliber.” After consulting with Pritchard and Judge William Alexander Hoke, Roosevelt believes that H. F. Seawell is the best man for the job.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-14
President Roosevelt weighs in on who should be appointed as judge in North Carolina. He initially intends to advise against President-Elect Taft’s suggestion of Edward W. Timberlake, but, after hearing from a number of prominent southerners who back him up, agrees that Timberlake is the best choice for the job.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-07
President Roosevelt tells University of Virginia president Edwin Anderson Alderman that he was mistaken about his previous negative opinion of Edward W. Timberlake, and that he felt poorly towards him because he could only remember that he was connected with a “postmastership scramble.” He has looked into Iredell Meares, and now believes that both of the men whom Alderman recommended are of good quality. Roosevelt asks Alderman how the men compare between themselves, and says that while he is not sure if he will be able to appoint either of them, they deserve his serious consideration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-02
President Roosevelt tells President Alderman of the University of Virginia that he is not very impressed by Judge Edward W. Timberlake. Iredell Meares’s support of President-Elect William H. Taft will make Roosevelt consider his name for the position. If Roosevelt hopes to build a reputable Republican party in the south, he feels he should recognize reputable Republicans when possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-29
President-Elect Taft weighs the options of who to appoint as judge in North Carolina’s Eastern District. Taft muses that appointing a Democratic judge may be the best course of action, avoiding the impression of rewarding a fellow Republican with the position. However, he favors longtime Republican, Edward W. Timberlake, despite existing party opposition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-06