April 2012 Auction Ends Monday, April 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2012
Henry Clay autograph letter signed dated 15 January 1843 from New Orleans. Clay writes to his friend, Judge John J. Crittenden, during a time of personal reflection regarding slavery -- Clay freed two of his slaves in 1840 (a mother and her daughter, after an unsuccessful lawsuit by the mother), and would free the woman's son a year after this letter. Here, Clay asks his friend to obtain a copy of the Supreme Court case of Groves vs. Slaughter, which decided whether a state law limiting the sale of slaves violated Congress' authority to control commerce. Letter reads in part, ''...I would be very much obliged to you, if you would obtain for me with as little delay as possible...a copy of the opinion of the judges of the S. [Supreme] Court in the case of Slaughter (the Mississippi Slave case) decided term before the last, certified in the form to be used as evidence in a Court of Justice. Our friend Peters perhaps could assist you in procuring it, if the opinions are not recorded. Your friend, H. Clay''. Card style letter measuring 8'' x 10'' displays expected toning, creasing and light soiling. Some paper residue from previous mounting remains. Overall very good condition.
Henry Clay 1843 Autograph Letter Signed on Slavery -- ''...in the case of Slaughter (the Mississippi Slave case)...''
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