Seven associates of Louis D. Brandeis on the Supreme Court have written him expressing their regret upon his decision to retire and paying high tribute to his record and his personal character and attainments. The letter was signed by Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes and Associate Justices Butler, Stone, Roberts, Black, Reed and Frankfurter. Only Justice McReynolds did not sign. In reply to Chief Justice Hughes, Mr. Brandeis wrote: “You and the Associate Justices are very generous. Our friendship gives assurance that throughout the years to come we shall remain companions.”
“We deeply regret that you have found it advisable to retire from your regular active service as Associate Justice, a service which you have rendered for over twenty-two years with a vigor and devotion which have never been surpassed. Your long practical experience and intimate knowledge of affairs, the wide range of your researches and your grasp of the most difficult problems, together with your power of analysis and your thoroughness in exposition, have made your judicial career one of extraordinary distinction and far-reaching influence.
“It has always been gratifying to observe that the intensity of your labors has never been permitted to disturb your serenity of spirit and we shall have an abiding memory of your never-failing friendliness. We trust that, relieved of the pressing burden of regular court work, you may be able to conserve the strength which has been so lavishly used in the public service, and that you may enjoy many years of continued vigor. We extend to you our best wishes and the assurance of our affection and profound esteem.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
