upon many occasions been distinguished on sev[era]l occasions" Later career Returning to Maryland, Robert Hanson Harrison was appointed Chief Justice of the General Court of Maryland on March 12, 1781. During the war, Harrison's court considered property confiscation cases for individuals accused of disloyalty to the United States. Despite being considered a highly capable judge, he declined appointments to higher courts because of failing health, including Chancellor of Maryland. September 24, 1789, President George Washington nominated Harrison as an associate justice on the newly established United States Supreme Court. The United States Senate confirmed his appointment two days later. Harrison declined the appointment, citing familial responsibilities and his health as two prime reasons. Washington and Hamilton urged Harrison to reconsider. Washington's friend Dr. James Craik urged him to send Harrison a personal appeal, believing "A Letter from you…would I am convinced act more powerfully upon him than all the Anodynes in an Apothecarys Shop". Harrison agreed to accept, and began the trip to New York City, then the temporary national capital. His health worsened, and he returned home to Bladensburg, Maryland. In a January 21, 1790 letter to Washington, Harrison informed Washington that he was unable to make the trip and again declined the appointment. Personal life Harrison's first wife was Sarah Johnston, a daughter of George Johnston Sr. (d. 1766), a prominent Virginia attorney and political leader. After her death, he married Grace Dent of Charles County, Maryland. Harrison died at his home in Charles County on April 2, 1790. His burial location is not known. References External links Letter from George Washington, September 28, 1789 Letter from George Washington, November 25, 1789 1745 births 1790 deaths Continental Army officers from Virginia Continental Army staff officers Maryland state court judges Candidates in the 1788–1789 United States presidential election Aides-de-camp of George Washington People of colonial Maryland People from Charles County, Maryland Unsuccessful nominees to the United States Supreme Court Maryland Federalists