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 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.