Lot 251
Marshall, John (1755-1835), Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1801-1835), U.S. Congressman from Virginia (1799-1800), Secretary of State (1800-1801), principal founder of the American system of Constitutional law. Autograph Letter Signed, one and one-half pages, 6¼ x 7¾ no place, January 15, 1824. While Supreme Court Justice, Marshall writes to an unidentified person regarding his recollection of Virginia’s opposition to ratification of the U.S. Constitution, in full:
"I was a member of the convention of Virginia which adopted the constitution of the United States. M.r Benjamin Harrison formerly Governour of Virginia was also a member, and took a decided part in opposition to its adoption. After the business was closed the members in opposition assembled in a meeting to deliberate on the course it was proper for them to pursue. As I was not present at that meeting I cannot say of my own knowledge what passed at it; but it was currently spoken of at the time as a fact of which no doubt was entertained, that there was a division among the members on this poiint. One party, at the head of which M.r [George] Mason was supposed to stand wished to carry resistance to the government to a considerable extent. I cannot pretend to say to what extent; but I believe chiefly to a very serious embarrassment of its operation. The other party was in favour of submission to the will of the majority, reserving the right of pursuing legitimate means to procure those amendments which they believed to be essential. I understand at the time and have no doubt that M.r Harrison took an active part with the last party. J. Marshall. Jan.y 19th 1824."
Fine condition with light foxing and minor splitting, docketed on verso "Judge Marshall". Enclosed in a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
AN EXCEPTIONAL HOLOGRAPHIC FIRST PERSON LOOK BACK AT AN IMPORTANT POLITICAL BATTLE DURING OUR NATION’S FORMATIVE YEARS.
The Virginia Constitutional Convention finally ratified the Constitution by a vote of 89-79. Had Virginia, or any one of the other key states of Massachusetts, New York or Pennsylvania, failed to ratify the Constitution, any efforts to put it into effect would have been greatly crippled.
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| Realized $37,500 |
