Details:

Joseph McKenna autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated March 16, 1905, written on personal stationery bearing the address 1705 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, D.C. Comprising two separate pages, the letter is written entirely in McKenna's hand and signed "Joseph McKenna" at the conclusion.

The letter concerns a dinner being held in honor of United States Senator Platt, which McKenna regrets being unable to attend because of a prior engagement with fellow Supreme Court Justice Henry Billings Brown.

McKenna explains that when he was originally invited to dinner on March 18, he had mentioned his existing engagement at Justice Brown's residence. Responding to a subsequent invitation, McKenna politely declines, expressing his regret that he cannot attend the dinner honoring Senator Platt.

An interesting example of personal correspondence from a sitting United States Supreme Court Justice, mentioning fellow Justice Henry Billings Brown, best remembered for authoring the majority opinion in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson decision of 1896.

The correspondence offers a glimpse into the social and political circles of Washington, D.C., during the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The letter comprises two separate pages, each measuring approximately 5 x 6.5 inches. Fine condition with light age toning, scattered minor spotting, and handling wear.

Joseph McKenna (1843–1926) was an American jurist and politician who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1898 to 1925. Appointed by President William McKinley, McKenna served on the Court for more than 26 years, participating in significant decisions involving constitutional law, federal authority, and interstate commerce. Before joining the Supreme Court, he represented California in the United States House of Representatives, served as a federal circuit judge, and briefly held the position of United States Attorney General under President McKinley.

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

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Reference sku: 11700 1419354-1