Served in the Continental Army, later a commissioner to France negotiating Jay's Treaty. As Secretary of State under Adams, he was embroiled in the XYZ Affair. He is most famous as a Supreme Court Chief Justice, where he handed down such decisions as Marbury v. Madison, establishing the principle of judicial review, and Mucolloch v. Maryland, which allowed Congress to create a national bank. ALS signed 'J. Marshall,' one page both sides, 8 x 10.5, May 1, 1807. Letter to Robert Alexander. In part, 'On my return to this place from a tour into the upper country I found your letter of the 24th of April. The shape you propose giving to the transaction is undoubtedly the proper one. Quaniens mortgage was in part assigned to me by your Father for the purpose of repaying a sum of money which I lent to him at the time the liene [sic] was rendered against him by the chancellor. This sum is settled and amounts with the interest I think to rather more than five hundred dollars. I have given a receipt for it on the mortgage and have taken the note of the purchasers of the property. The balance of the debt amounts I am told to about 800 and the parties are desirous of closing the transaction. You may receive an assessment from your father and either assign to me or authorize me to receive the money. I could wish in either count that you would previously ascertain the precise sum due. Capt. Quanien I think informed me that he had laid his vouchers before M. Hanna. Of this however, I am not certain. With respect to the real property it may be conveyed to you by your Father and sold by you. The very circumstance that I am acquainted with the sale and make no objections will free it from any claim of mine. But I will acknowledge satisfaction for any rights accruing under the decree of W. Morris to serve...on the cond you sell...Your sales under the circumstances I have stated with convey a good title. It will only be necessary to levy an execution on the slaves and get them. For this purpose I inclose [sic] a letter to the clerk and one to the sheriff which will put the execution completely under your direction. You will do well to agree with the sheriff relative to...missions and take care sales are not high. Should...run up I shall be accountable for the sum which is...to be levied and paid to me. It is therefore absolutely necessary the sales added to the money received on the mortgage...when taken together exceed 2000. I require no...for the performance of the contract on your part that you...in your letter. I have no difficulty in relying on it. Mr. Morris has given a deed of assessment of this claim to my brother to secure a debt which was due to W. Colston...and myself. Of course this assessment is for our joint benefit and both the other gentleman have executed a power of attorney to me to act for them. Of course my transaction cannot be questioned except so far as to make me personally accountable for them. The arrangement with you has been particularly communicated both to Mr. Colston and my brothers and has been approved by them.' Integral second page has been addressed in Marshall's hand 'Robert Alexander, Esquire, Staunton.' In good condition, with paper loss to edges of both pages, resulting in some missing text. Loss has been contained by professional silking to areas of both pages. Scattered light toning and soiling, several light notations, expected folds and mounting remnant along top edge of first page. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
