Clark graduated from Yale (1878) along with William Howard Taft, a life-long friend. Appointed and thereafter elected to New York Supreme Court, 1900, 1901, 1915. Appointed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (First Department) 1905; reappointed 1910 and 1915. Appointed Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, 1916-1926. Appointed Referee for Life of New York Courts, 1930.

      Sample Quotes:

“Hawkins, Delafield & Sturgis, New York, February 6, 1899, to Theodore Roosevelt, Albany, New York

          Hon Theodore Roosevelt,

        Albany, New York,

       My dear Roosevelt,

            I see in the papers the name of my friend John Proctor Clarke, suggested as a possible candidate for the vacant position of Surrogate. I have known Mr. Clarke for a good many years, and although a democrat, wish to say that in my opinion he would be in every way fitted to fill so important a position. He is a good lawyer and hardworking, and his earnest work for his party deserves recognition.

            I write this letter between ourselves, as a friend of Clarke’s. I do not wish to appear as a member of the Democratic party urging upon the Governor of the State the appointment of a Republican office-holder, but simply write to say a good word for a friend… Robert Sturgis”

“Jamestown, North Dakota, Sept. 13^th, 1900

        John Proctor Clarke Esq.

        My Dear Sir,

           I enclose you a good campaign document which speaks for itself. It was unnecessary to publish notices of this kind during Cleveland’s administration. I want you and Teddy “to keep off the grass and not interfere with my business arrangements”. I am going west today and will try and keep ahead of you. I cant get a customers attention within one hundred miles of his town. I want you to work your “own side if the street.” I have dates on this road to Portland & Seattle. I am whooping it up for Leeser in the day time & Mack & Teddy at night. I will look after Wash., Or., & Cal. – and my boy will take care of Kans. Neb. Col. Wy. North & South Dacotah so I guess the west is pretty safe.

          Hope to see you in NY about xmas & hope to be able to rejoice with those that ought to rejoice.

         I shall be in Butte Sunday next. I will give you my proxy to vote in Nov. … W. M. Leeser”

     “New York, Supreme Court Judges Chambers, Court House Chambers Street, Dec. 18^th 1900

      My dear John,

        Your friend Roosevelt has a chance now to show whether he appreciates your friendship. I hope you will at least give him the opportunity to appoint you in Beekman’s place.

             I know that you are not attracted by the prospect of a judicial position but really you ought not to let such a chance pass. There is at least an equal chance that whoever is appointed now, may be elected next fall for a full term, and even if you should not be a year on the bench of this court, would not hurt but rather help you professionally.

             You must realize that while your political work of last year have certainly given you a reputation as a public speaker, yet your vert preeminence in that regard has led many people to believe that your abilities lie more markedly in that direction than in the direction of a lawyer.

             With a year on the bench you would have the opportunity to show to the legal world the capacity, knowledge and good judgment as a lawyer that I know so well that you possess.

             At the end of the year, even if you should not be re-elected, you would be able to return to practice with a high reputation as a lawyer, as well as a speaker. With this combination of qualities generally acknowledged (as they inevitably would be) your successful professional career would be assured.

             Believe me, this is an opportunity which you should not permit to pass.

                                                                                                     Yours Sincerely,

                                                                                                     Frances M. Scott”

      “Supreme Court Appellate Division First Department, New York, Oct. 27^th, 1908

       My dear Theodore:-

           Ten years ago this day we celebrated your birthday on a train in central New York while you were conducting that brilliant campaign in which you won for yourself the Governorship of the state – What crowded years these have been for you. What splendid service you have given to your country – and to the world. Through it all I have followed with the keenest interest every act and every word – but on the side lines – where you put me – Can you realize what it has meant for me to be a passive observer in this campaign where my class mate and friend of thirty four years has been nominated as your choice for your successor? Recalling our tours and our speeches can’t you imagine how I would like to swing my shilellah in the middle of the fight? But I have had to do the work you put me to – Have become one of those meticulous persons who do not seem to stand so high in your regard as the red blooded fighters among whom I fondly recall, I was numbered once upon a time.

           You reach today with vigor unabated, with youth still in your blood, with hope and ideal and high resolve undimmed a half century of achievement. I send you a the best I have in congratulation for what has been done and best wishes for the coming years.

         You have reached today a half century of achievement Fifty years young indeed. Vigor untouched ideals unspoiled hope and high resolve undimmed you stand as the best exemplar for the youth of this land – A President indeed a leader of thought and conscience and practical works. – I send the best I have in congratulations for what has been done and best wishes for the coming years …”

      Letter of recommendation for Julius Marshuetz Mayer (1865-1925) for an appointment to the United States District Court, Southern District of New York

“Supreme Court Appellate Division First Department, New York, December 22^nd 1911

        Dear Mr. President:-

           In response to your request for my opinion as to the professional qualifications of Mr. Julius M. Mayer for judicial office, I beg to state that I have known Mr. Mayer for many years. He served for a time, upon appointment by the Mayor, as Justice of the Court of Special Sessions, resigning some years before the expiration of his term, and later, upon election, as Attorney General of the State. He tried cases and argued motions before me when sitting in the Trial and Special Terms of the Supreme Court  and has argued cases before the Appellate Division, both while he was Attorney General, and also when out of office for private litigants. His court work has been especially notable for his clear and candid statements of the facts and his clear presentation of the legal points involved.

         His attitude to the Court has been one of absolute fairness. He is a well equipped lawyer, is ambitious and industrious. He is logical, even tempered and fair minded. His character and standing at the bar are excellent. We are glad to have him appear before us as his arguments and briefs elucidate instead of befogging the issues presented …”