?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 700 - $ 1,000
"I MUST SPEAK ACCORDING TO THE 'WORD' OF THE CONSTITUTION" (SUPREME COURT.) CHASE, SALMON P. Two Autograph Letters Signed, "SPChase," one as Chief Justice, each to Judge Edwards Pierrepont. The first, expressing surprise at the rumor that he supports [Horatio] Seymour [in the race for Governor of New York], and wondering how John Van Buren obtained a copy of General [Winfield] Scott's letter [to Secretary of State William H. Seward, advising the new president]. The second, denying Pierrepont's claim that Chase is ambitious, mentioning how the Constitution guides him, and briefly discussing executive supremacy during wartime. Together 3 1/2 pages, 8vo or small 4to, with integral blank; folds, minor scattered staining. Washington, 22 October 1862; 2 January 1867
1862: "Our friendship is of many years & warrants me in asking of you if it is true that you go for Seymour? I hear so. "To me the question between [James S.] Wadsworth and Seymour is not merely a question between the friends of the Adm'n & its enemies & not at all a question between Democracy & Republicanism, but a question between War & Territorial Integrity & Peace with Disunion or Worse. . . ." 1867: ". . . I must speak according to the 'word' of the Constitution & the Law & the 'testimony' of the Judges & Sages, under the direction of my own conscience. If I should do otherwise there would be 'no soundness' in me. . . ."
