Details:

Samuel Nelson autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated November 4, 1864, from Cooperstown, New York. Written during the American Civil War while Nelson was serving as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The letter is written entirely in Nelson's hand and signed with his initials, "S. N.," at the conclusion.

The correspondence concerns several legal cases under consideration, including the forwarding of case papers, the preparation of judicial opinions, and the scheduling of court business.

Nelson discusses sending materials by express and refers to another case in which he has not yet completed his consideration of the grounds for a decision.

An interesting example of judicial correspondence from a sitting Supreme Court Justice during the final full year of the Civil War, offering insight into the handling of legal matters and the preparation of court decisions during this important period in American history.

The letter measures approximately 5 x 8 inches. Fine condition with light age toning, scattered minor spotting, and handling wear.

Samuel Nelson (1792–1873) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1845 to 1872. Appointed by President John Tyler, Nelson served for 27 years under Chief Justices Roger B. Taney and Salmon P. Chase. Before his federal appointment, he served as Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court. Nelson participated in numerous significant constitutional decisions, including Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), in which he wrote a separate concurring opinion addressing the case on narrower grounds. He also served on the American delegation to the Joint High Commission of 1871, which helped negotiate the Treaty of Washington between the United States and Great Britain.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419355-1