August 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, August 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/28/2014
General Robert Anderson autograph letter signed, dated 5 March 1802, to South Carolina Senator John E. Calhoun, vehemently criticizing the intent of the bill before the Senate to restore the Judiciary Act of 1801, which had been repealed in early 1802. Shortly after this letter was written, the law was restored on 29 April 1802. With excellent content, letter reads in part: ''...we all think here your mind is turned somehow or other, and that you are perfectly wrong in supposing it a violation of the Constitution to repeal a law, because judges are displeased by that repeal. The Constitution never was intended to protect improper, unnecessary and useless laws, or to prevent their being respected, when they are found by experience to be such, not was it intended to establish planners & pensioners, or to patronise sincures of any kind. Thus the question before Senate was -- Is the last enacted judiciary law of the United States a necessary, proper & judicious law? If so, it would be wrong to repeal it. But if the law is improper, unnecessary & useless, it is wise to repeal it. This, and this alone was the question before Senate. It is indeed a question of policy, and not of Constitutionality...they shall not be removed from office by any other means, only by impeachment, for malpractice in office -- that they may be independent -- doing Justice & their duty, not fearing principalities, nor powers, whether present or to come. To be removed or displaced, for any cause, is galling to human nature, if the person so removed or displaced...A Judiciary law passed last session of Congress [Judiciary Act of 1801] , for the execution of which 16 judges were appointed. The law is found to be useless & unnecessary, if so, it is wise to repeal it, and by doing so, you do no dishonor to those gentlemen by filling the offices with others. They cannot from their labors. Our Government only, in effect, say to them, Gentlemen, we have now no need for your services, when we have we will call upon you & be thankful for this...'' Signed clearly, ''Robert Anderson''. Card-style letter on 3pp. measures 7.75'' x 12.5'' with folds from mailing causing a 1'' tear to page 3. Very good.
Revolutionary War General Robert Anderson Autograph Letter Signed -- Regarding the Judiciary Act of 1802 -- ''...The law is found to be useless & unnecessary...''
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