LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30196

John Marshall Autograph Letter Signed; 1823

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,100.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
John Marshall Autograph Letter Signed; 1823
<B>John Marshall Autograph Letter Signed as Chief Justice, "</B></I><I>J. Marshall".</B></I> Two pages, 6.25" x 7.75", Richmond, June 25, 1823, to his nephew, Martin P. Marshall. An interesting letter regarding the handling of some family slaves in an estate matter. He writes, in part: "<I>I was a good deal surprised the other day at a letter from Mr. Pollard to my son stating a very expensive & troublesome controversy...respecting the execution levied on my sisters dower slaves which had terminated in their restoration....I always understood that this suit was not...to affect my sister...I had supposed that the money was to come, from the estate of Coll. Davies, which was supposed to be ample for the purpose....The negroes were sold to him at his particular request, at a priced named by himself, & he was never pressed for the money. No security of any kind was required because unlimited confidence was placed in him...I...leave the business to your management, merely observing that I wish the money to come form Colo. Davies' heirs who have the negroes as I understand, & not from my sister, who , as I was originally told, has a separate allowance free from the debts of the estate...</B></I>" Interestingly, Marshall as Chief Justice chose to exercise judicial review over many aspects of constitutional law and was quite reluctant to judge cases related to slavery. Minor loss to integral address panel from seal tear, light folds, else very good to fine condition. <I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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