Lot 1091
Marshall, John (1755-1835), Chief Justice of the 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, 1½ pages (with integral blank leaf containing address panel), 6½ x 7¾ Richmond, May 6, 1833. To Benjamin Harrison, Berkley, Charles City, Virginia. Interesting observations on a legal dispute:
"…He (Fisher) returned yesterday afternoon and I immediately showed it to him. He declared at once that he would enter into no communication on the subject of arrangement while any suggestion was made respecting his affair with Heron Linton and Co. He requires that you should have the transaction investigated if you suppose that any advantage can be derived from it. I persume [sic] you have not been informed that it has passed through the court of chancery and court of appeals, and that the decision is in favor of Mr Fisher. The suit was brought by Mr Mason or his representatives. I never looked at the papers and know only that the decision was as I have stated. I believe you are entirely misinformed respecting the effect of any interference on his part in the sale of the lot you mention. But…Mr Fisher requires that you should assert your rights whatever they may be. After these preliminary discussions I urged him on the question to what terms he would accede. He was not willing in the present state of things to express any determinate opinion; but from what I was able to collect I came to the conclusion that four thousand dollars…was the lowest point to which he will consent…I am very sure that he will not adjust the claim on more favorable terms…"
With integral address leaf, straightline "Paid" handstamp and "Richd Va." c.d.s. both in red, small hole caused by opening where wax seal affixed not affecting text, light soiling in places. Fine.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
Berkeley (Plantation) was the home of the famous Harrison family, which had, among others, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and two Presidents of the U.S.
The Mr. Mason referred to in the letter is most probably from the famous Mason family of Fairfax County, Va., whose ancestors included George Mason.
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| Realized $8,500 |
