In 1861 he was elected to a vacancy on the circuit bench, which position he retained until he was elected a member of the Supreme Court.
Below are copies of two letters written by him sixty and seventy years ago to members of his family describing his visits to two of the presidents, Jackson and Van Buren.
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EDWIN MAXWELL.
Washington, June 11, 1829.
Dear A_____ I left Winchester Monday morning 1 o'clock on the stage via Shepherdstown, Boomborough and Frederickstown, the latter of which is surrounded by the most beautiful country I ever saw. Tarried in Fred' from 11 o'clock till two, dined at Talbots — I am staying at present at the National Hotel, the most splendid house in the U. States. Col. Hunter called upon me this morning and carried me up to see Gen'l Jackson. Hunter is a warm personal friend of Maj. Donaldson (private secretary to the president) and among the very few political friends of the Gen'l here. I was first introduced to Maj. Donaldson as the relation of Hunter and friend of the administration. Maj. Donaldson asked if I desired an introduction to the Gen'l. I replied that I did. I handed him my letters of introduction as is the custom, he read them over, arose with a smile and a pleasant eye upon me, saying, " the Gen'l will be pleased to see you — Sit a moment sir." He stepped out a few minutes returned and said "the Gen'l is now at leisure," we walked into the audience room & I was introduced to a very old plain man, he has much the appearance of infirmity and age. Shook me cordially by the hand and observed "I am happy to see you sir." After some conversation I returned to Maj. Donaldson's office to get my hat, when he enquired where I put up and upon receiving my answer he said he would try to call and see me if he could find time. We parted. I am much pleased with Maj. Donaldson, he is a very hand some man about 25 years old from appearance, frank and said to be very amiable. The Gen'l is the most iron-faced old fellow I ever saw, plain and simple in his manner yet dignified in his conversation. The day after to-morrow I am to be introduced to the Secretary of State and other heads of departments. I wish I could convey to you a glass of the delightful soda water drank here.
Believe me, &c.
W. A. H.
Washington, June 10th, 1837.
My Dear A_____
I arrived here on Thursday night very much fatigued indeed by night travel. Yesterday I called to see Mr. Campbell the treasurer of the United States and brother of our Governor; after chatting an hour with him, he proposed a call to see the President, we did so at 11 o'clock, left him at half past 11, under an invitation to return and dine with him at four. We did so, partook of what he called a family dinner which at any other place would have been called a feast. Whilst enjoying his fine desert I wished I could convey to you some of his fine straw berries and cream & sundry other nice things. We used for desert gold knives and forks, pretty things for democrats to eat with. He has two sons living with him; one appears to be sprightly the other dull, both young, he and his two sons
