Newly-Confirmed Supreme Court Justice Willis Van Devanter Orders New Judicial Robes

WILLIS VAN DEVANTER (1859-1941). Van Devanter was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court for over two decades. TLS. 1pg. December 20, 1910. Cheyenne, Wyoming. A typed letter signed “Willis Van Devanter”. Just having being appointed to the Supreme Court – he was confirmed by the Senate on December 15 – Van Devanter wrote to Supreme Court Clerk James H. McKenney, asking McKenney to order his new robes. “My dear Mr. McKenney: If it conveniently can be done, I will appreciate it if one of the gentlemen in your office will procure an appropriate gown for me. My height is 5 feet 9 ½ inches. My weight is 178 pounds, and I am otherwise of usual proportions. When I became Circuit Judge a seamstress in Washington, who had made gowns for some of the Justices and Circuit Judges, made one for me, but it is worn too much to permit of further use. I will be glad to have the new one made of good material, and am writing on the supposition that I must pay for my own gown, which will be done promptly upon reaching Washington. I contemplate being there in time to enter upon my new duties January third. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I am, Very sincerely, Willis Van Devanter”. The letter is in very good condition with a stain and a “Received” stamp.