Lot 291
Marshall, John. Autograph letter signed ("Jmarshall"), 2 pages, 7¼ x 6 in., Richmond, July 2, 1789. Written on laid watermarked paper; tear at upper left margin, easily repaired and small paper loss at center left margin, affecting one word of text on verso; creasing at top right, and a few scattered pinholes. To an unnamed recipient [identified as John Hatley Norton by The Papers of John Marshall, letter included]. In 1889, Marshall, who would be appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1801, in which capacity he would serve until his death 34 years later, was the attorney for Norton in his suit with Francis Corbin. Norton's father was the founder of a consignment merchant firm that operated in London and Virginia. Marshall writes: "In the claim you enquire into concerning your fathers debtors…Your appeal with Mr. Page would have been tried last court had that gentleman livd till then, his death has prevented a decision & no person has as yet qualified as his executor against whom the suit may stand revivd. I delivered…the letter you enclosd me but he returnd no answer. Instead of bringing a suit in chancery to perpetuate your testimony respecting the land you say you ha[ve] purchasd & paid for it woud I presume be better to bring a suit for a conveyance….Your suit with Corbin will be tried in Fredericksburg next fall. No plea can…be put in, it must be tried on the issue already made up…."
Ref: Cullen and Johnson, eds., The Papers of John Marshall, II, pp 39-40.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
Christie's New York, Dec. 15, 1995, lot 99.
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| Realized $2,100 |
