John Adams to Samuel Dexter, January 31, 1801

Washington Jan 31 1801

Dear Sir

I hereby authorize & request you to execute the office of Secretary of State so far as to affix the seal of the U.S. to the inclosed commission to the present Secretary of State John Marshall of Virginia to be chief Justice of the U.S. & to certify, in your own name on the commission as executing the office of Secretary of State pro hac vice