Details:

Nathan Clifford autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated August 1, 1864, from Portland, Maine. Addressed to Congressman John H. Rice of Bangor, Maine, the letter concerns an invitation to accompany a congressional committee on an inspection excursion along the Maine coast during the American Civil War. Written entirely in Clifford's hand and signed "Nathan Clifford" at the conclusion.

Clifford acknowledges receiving an invitation from the House Committee of Congress concerning the defense of the Northeastern Frontier and accepts an invitation to join its members on an excursion along the coast of Maine on August 11, 1864.

He writes, in part:

"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation on behalf of the House committee of Congress, on the defense of the North Eastern Frontier, to join the committee in an excursion along the coast of Maine on the eleventh instant."

Clifford continues by thanking Rice for the invitation and accepting it with pleasure, requesting that his appreciation be extended to the other members of the committee.

The recipient, John H. Rice (1816–1911), was a Maine politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1861 to 1867 during the Civil War.

An interesting Civil War-era letter documenting congressional interest in the defenses of the northeastern United States, particularly the strategically important coastline of Maine. Written while Clifford was serving on the United States Supreme Court, the correspondence connects a sitting justice with federal concerns about coastal security and national defense during the final full year of the Civil War.

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

Nathan Clifford (1803–1881) was an American jurist, diplomat, and Democratic politician who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1858 until his death in 1881. Appointed by President James Buchanan, Clifford served on the nation's highest court for more than 23 years, including throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Born in New Hampshire, Clifford established his legal and political career in Maine, serving in the Maine House of Representatives and as Maine Attorney General before being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1839.

In 1846, President James K. Polk appointed Clifford Attorney General of the United States, a position he held until 1848. He subsequently served as United States Minister to Mexico from 1848 to 1849, participating in the diplomatic affairs surrounding the conclusion of the Mexican-American War and the implementation of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1858, Clifford served alongside Chief Justices Roger B. Taney, Salmon P. Chase, and Morrison R. Waite. He was generally associated with a strict interpretation of federal constitutional authority and frequently dissented from decisions expanding federal power during Reconstruction.

Clifford also served as president of the Electoral Commission of 1877, the special body established by Congress to resolve disputed electoral votes in the contested presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden.

His lengthy judicial career and involvement in several major political and constitutional controversies made him an important figure in 19th-century American legal history.

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

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Reference sku: 11700 1419348-1