Details:

Stephen Johnson Field handwritten letter signed (LS), dated November 20, 1883, from Washington, D.C. Addressed to Richard Smith, Esq., the lengthy correspondence concerns the management of an estate, guardianship arrangements for minor children, and the collection of life insurance proceeds. Written in a neat secretarial hand across two folded sheets and personally signed "Stephen J. Field" at the conclusion.

Field discusses provisions of New York law permitting the Union Trust Company of New York to serve as guardian of the property and estates of minor children without furnishing a bond or other security. He suggests that Smith and his brothers consider employing the company to manage a portion of the estate belonging to the children of their deceased brother.

Field further explains that separate guardians may be appointed for the children themselves and for their property, noting that such an arrangement could simplify the administration of the estate.

Referring to a conversation with an individual identified as Mr. Evarts, Field writes that the appointment of separate guardians for the children and their property is permissible under New York law.

Of particular interest, Field discusses the necessity of establishing guardianship within sixty days following the death of the deceased in order to secure payment of life insurance proceeds. He emphasizes the importance of resolving the legal arrangements promptly and offers his suggestions out of concern for the welfare of the widow and children.

The letter concludes with a handwritten postscript requesting that Smith send his brother Samuel a copy of a pamphlet containing the charter of the Union Trust Company.

An interesting example of detailed legal correspondence from a sitting United States Supreme Court Justice, demonstrating Field's involvement in private legal and financial matters during his long judicial career.

The letter comprises two folded sheets, with individual pages measuring approximately 5 x 8 inches. Very good condition with original folds, light age toning, scattered minor staining, and handling wear.

Stephen Johnson Field (1816–1899) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1863 to 1897. Appointed by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, Field served for more than 34 years, making him the longest-serving Supreme Court Justice at the time of his retirement.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Field served as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court from 1859 to 1863. During his federal judicial career, he became an influential figure in constitutional law, particularly in matters involving property rights, economic liberty, and the Fourteenth Amendment. He authored the unanimous opinion in Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886), a landmark decision concerning equal protection under the law. Field was also the brother of Cyrus West Field, the financier behind the successful transatlantic telegraph cable.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419366-1