Lot 813
Chase, Samuel (1741-1811) Signer of the Declaration of Independence; Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1796-1811). Extraordinary partly-printed document signed as Chief Judge of the State of Maryland, 1p, 8 x 6¾ in., Baltimore, 1 February 1794. With seven words inserted in Chase's hand. The certificate states: "I Samuel Chase, Chief Judge of the State of Maryland, do hereby certify all whom it may concern, that on the first Day of February in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Four personally appeared before me Banard Lafon and did repeat and subscribe a Declaration of his belief in the Christian Religion, and the Oath required by the Act of Assembly of this State, entitled, 'An Act for Naturalization.' In Testimony of the Truth hereof, I the said Samuel Chase, have hereunto put my Hand, at Baltimore Town, in the said State of Maryland, the Day and year above-mentioned." With decorative border at top and blank integral leaf. Minor mouse damage at top left edge and light edge wear, else fine. Boldly signed with a paraph.
Less than three years earlier, the Bill of Rights was adopted, which made it clear that there was no established religion in the United States and that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Five years after he signed the present document, Chase would rule in another case (Runkel v. Winemiller): "…By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same equal footing, and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty." In late 1804, Chase was served with eight articles of impeachment, becoming the only U.S. Supreme Court justice to ever be impeached. On 1 March 1805, the Senate voted to acquit him of all charges.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500.
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