political allies - yes, close friends - not necessarily (maybe political universe was small enough at time that there wasn't much difference, but consider that prominent individuals in one state did not necessarily 'know' important individuals in another)...
in any event, washington set partisan tone by appointing federalists to all six original supreme court seats in 1789, he had made it known, beforehand, that folks interested in an appointment should contact him, he made a list of those who took him up on this and then he discussed options with friends...
needless to say, washington was prepared, on day that he signed 1789 bill establishing initial federal judiciary, he also sent all six s.c. appointments for which act provided, senate confirmed each of them two days later, without debate...
most presidents have certainly shared washington's desire to appoint folks with kindred political/policy views (most of these from same party), fewer presidents have appointed close friends, sheldon goldman (_picking federal judges_) ranks three p's of nominations this way - political partisanship, policy preferences, personal relations... michael hoover
-------------------------------------------------------------- Please Note: Due to Florida's very broad public records law, most written communications to or from College employees regarding College business are public records, available to the public and media upon request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.