Lot 231
Wilson, James (1742-1798), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, judge, politician, Supreme Court Justice under Washington. Revolutionary War-date Autograph Letter Signed, four pages, 8 x 13¼ Carlisle [Pa.], January 14, 1777. To fellow Pennsylvania Signer "The Hon.ble Rob.t Morris Esquire", then a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Wilson details a plan to form a new Government Department and then proposes himself as its first head, in part:
"Congress see, at last, the Propriety of distributing the Executive business of the Continent into different Departments, managed by Gentlemen, not Members of Congress, and whose whole Time and Attention can be devoted to the Business committed to their Charge…the Laws and Practice of the Courts of Admiralty should be brought…into a System…States, as far as I know, have an Office similar to that which I have described. It includes Part of the Office of Advocate General, and Part of that of Attorney General in England…If your Sentiments upon this Subject correspond with mine, you will mention it to Congress. If they agree to institute the Office, and no one offers for it better qualified, in your Opinion, than myself; I will be obliged to you for proposing me…"
Fine condition, accompanied by the unattached address leaf in Wilson’s hand docketed by Morris "Carlisle 14 Jany 1777, James Wilson". In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 1,000 - 1,500
Though Wilson was not successful in his attempt to convince Congress to create this Department, he soon thereafter, in June of 1779, was appointed Advocate General for maritime and commercial causes for the French government in the United States.
|
| |
| Realized $12,500 |
