LOT #47070 |
Current Bid: $1,450
Supreme Court Group Lot....
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Description
Supreme Court Group Lot. A collection spanning nearly a century of Supreme Court history, comprising autograph letters and signed pieces by Gabriel Duvall, Thomas Todd, Nathan Clifford, Ward Hunt, Samuel Nelson, David J. Brewer, and Charles Evans Hughes, as well as a political letter from James Harlan, father of Justice John Marshall Harlan. Includes:Gabriel Duvall Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches, Baltimore; May 4, 1822. Writing to "Hon. Mr. Reid," Duvall penned this note to request a signature from his associate. In full: "I had prepared the inclosed when last in the city, but was so much in haste to return home that I could not make it convenient to see you. Indeed I had delayed it too long. If you approve, sign it & forward it." Signed, "G. Duvall."
Thomas Todd Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages of a bifolium, 8 x 10 inches, Frankfort; March 28, 1825. A lengthy letter addressed to "Mr J Harper," in which Todd asks for assistance with a fraud case. In part: "An execution issued from the Federal Court on a Judgement obtained by the President, directors & Company of the U. States against Messrs. W. & R. Long & John Harris & James C. Long their indorsers-this Execution was replevied by the Indorsers, with John Long (the father) and myself as securities...From some recent conduct in the Messrs Longs in making private & clandestine sales of property, it is apprehended that they are fraudulently attempting to cover property, so that the Execution on the replevy shall not reach it & Mr Harris is fearful that it is their purpose to throw the whole amount upon him...I address you now for the purpose of getting the control & direction of the Execution which may issue on the replevy bond, so that I may direct the Marshal in his proceedings...to prevent the Messrs Long's from throwing the whole burthen on Mr Harris when in fact he ought to bear no part of it..." Signed, "Thomas Todd." With remnants of red sealing wax and integral address panel on the verso.
Nathan Clifford Autograph Letter (Unsigned) in the Third Person with Clipped Signature. One page of a bifolium, 5 x 8 inches, Washington; February 8, 1867. Clifford writes to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, sending his apologies for not being able to visit that evening. In full: "Judge & Mrs Clifford present their respects to the Secretary of the Navy & Mrs Welles and regret to say, that in consequence of the state of the weather Mrs C is not able to go out this evening. They must therefore forego the very great pleasure they would otherwise have in accepting the polite invitation of the Secretary & Mrs W for this evening." Together with a clipped signature, 4 1/2 x 1 inches, affixed with adhesive to the lower margin of a one-page typewritten biography of Nathan Clifford. Signed, "Nathan Clifford / Newfield / Maine."
Ward Hunt Autograph Letter Signed. One page on "State of New York Court of Appeals" letterhead, 7 1/2 x 8 inches, Utica; March 21, 1868. A brief letter in which Hunt requests that the Daily Globe be forwarded to his offices in Albany. In large part: "Be pleased for the present to send to me at 'Albany N. Y.' the Daily Globe now sent to me at Utica." Signed, "Ward Hunt."
Samuel Nelson Autograph Letter Signed. Three pages of a bifolium, 5 x 8 inches, Cooperstown, New York; July 10, 1868. Nelson writes to Horatio Seymour, former governor of New York, congratulating him on his nomination for the Presidential Election of 1868. In part: "I cannot resist the pleasure of congratulating you, not only, on your nomination, but, especially, on the very flattering manner in which it was made. To me, it is a real satisfaction, beyond that of any other which could have been made...My earnest advice is to turn philosopher, and be even more quiet, & indifferent than you would have been, if you were serving in the ranks..." Signed, "S. Nelson." Docketed on the verso.
David Brewer Autograph Letter Signed. One page on "Supreme Court of the United States" letterhead, 5 x 8 inches, Washington; March 7, 1891. Brewer responds to a request for his autograph from "E. S. Richards Esq." In full: "You ask my autograph - Here it is." Signed, "David J. Brewer / Justice Sup Ct."
Charles Evans Hughes Signed Card with Photograph. Card measuring 4 x 2 1/2 inches, signed, "Charles E. Hughes / November 22, 1915." Together with a gelatin silver matte photograph of Hughes measuring 7 3/4 x 10 inches; mounted to a larger board to an overall size of 7 3/4 x 10 3/4 inches.
James Harlan Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 8 x 10 inches, [Kentucky]; May 23, 1844. A letter from James Harlan, father of Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan, addressed to General Leslie Combs of the Kentucky Militia. Harlan, a prominent Whig politician, stresses the importance of the upcoming gubernatorial election, which was at risk of being won by the "Locofocos," or Radical Democrats. In part: "I have obtained Satisfactory information that the Locos have the strongest confidence of success in the Gubernatorial election. No means will be left undone by them and they are doing now every thing in their favor. I have just heard that the result of that election will be mortifying to the whole Whig party of the U.S. I allude to the meagre majority which we may obtain for Gov. & Lt. Gov. Our party must be up and doing, or the result of the elections in August will disappoint us most egregiously." Signed, "J. Harlan." Docketed on the verso.
Condition: Generally good, with expected toning, folds, and minor wear. Scattered staining and soiling throughout, with occasional pinholes or very small instances of loss. Ward hunt letter with moderate staining at center, not affecting legibility. Hughes photograph with some creasing and silvering near the edges; small chips at the edges; right edge reinforced with linen tape; minor loss to the lower left corner of the board only; annotations at the bottom edge and verso of the board.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
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February
26th
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26th
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