Handwritten letter from John Marshall (1755-1835), 4th Chief Justice of the United States. ALS. 2pg. Marsh 11, 1829. Washington. An autograph letter signed "J Marshall" as Chief Justice to his wife Polly. He wrote in part: "I am very much gratified yesterday at receiving a letter from my Grand daughter giving me all the news of Richmond, and that which was more delightful than any other--that your health was as good as usual. Tell her I am much obliged by her letter, and very much pleased to find she writes so agreeably. I did not perceive a single fault in her letter. I was very much surprised the other day on my return from court to be met to Jacqueline. He staid [sic] a day or two in the city and surpized [sic] me still more by the object of his visit than by his visit itself. He came to purchase a carriage and a pair of horses, and did actually make the purchase. I did not see either the carriage or horses--I was never more closely occupied than I am this winter and have been from the commencement of the court. Mornings seem to agree with me. I eat hearty and sleep soundly. If I could take a peep every now and them at our dear fire side and my dearer wife I should be quite content. I am happy however, at least comparatively so, to know that you are well. May Heaven keep you so. Farewell my dearest wife. Your J Marshall". The letter has mailing folds and dark ink. The address leaf, completed in Marshall's handwriting, is still attached. 8" H x 6 1/4" W. Provenance: The Estate of Charles Boyd Coleman, Jr., Chattanooga, TN, by descent from Lewis Minor Coleman, Jr., son of CSA Lt. Colonel Lewis M. Coleman and Mary Ambler Marshall, daughter of James K. Marshall and granddaughter of John Marshall (1755-1835). Lewis M. Coleman Jr. was also related to the family of General Henry Dearborn by his marriage to Julia Wingate Boyd, daughter of Annette Maria Dearborn Boyd, who was the daughter of Greenleaf Dearborn (1786-1846) and great granddaughter of Henry Dearborn (1751-1829) on her mother's side. Note: "Marshall family tradition relates that John Marshall fell in love with Mary Ambler soon after meeting her. After spending time with her at many dances, Marshall asked the sixteen year old to marry him. Becoming flustered, Mary refused. She quickly realized her error and sent a cousin riding after Marshall to give him a lock of her hair. Marshall returned the lock of hair, entwined with a lock of his own, which was encased in a locket. They were soon married after a short courtship. Mary Marshall wore the locket until shortly before her death in 1831. She gave the locket back to Marshall who wore it as a reminder of her until his death in 1835. He wrote a year after her death "I have lost her! And with her I have lost the solace of my life! Yet she remains still the companion of my retired hours--still occupies my inmost bosom. When I am alone and unemployed, my mind unceasingly turns to her'". (Source: https://preservationvirginia.org/visit/property-detail/mary-willis-ambler-polly-marshall). Description courtesy of Stuart Lutz Historic Documents, Inc. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Overall good condition with tears to address page, foxing spots, light toning, to be expected from age (see description). Marshall signature in strong, clear condition.