Description:

Cardozo Benjamin

Two page ALS penned on personal letterhead of "BNC", 5" x 6.5". Signed and dated by Benjamin Cardozo "Sept 8, 1937", and signed by him as "Benjamin N. Cardozo". Paper lightly toned, with faded handling marks. Expected folds and trivial creasing.

Cardozo, as the second Jew appointed to the Supreme Court, is remembered for his significant influence on the development of American common law in the 20th century, in addition to his philosophy and vivid prose style. He served on the bench for six years, supporting much of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, including Social Security programs, and helping shape the direction of criminal law. Cardozo was also considered a member of the Three Musketeers along with Brandeis and Stone, which were considered to be the liberal faction of the Supreme Court. His letter was penned to Harold Shapiro, president emeritus and professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton University. Harold came to Princeton from the University of Michigan, where he served on the faculty as professor of economics and public policy and as president. In addition he was a trustee of the American Jewish Committee and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.

His lovely letter is shown below, which most likely referred to Shapiro's recently published book, "What Every Young Man Should Know About War", published in 1937. His book was written as a strong plea for staying out of war. The book was topically arranged, with source material from medical annals, war time records, and recent experiences, covering such things as enlistment, requirements, effect, and cost on the country, results in human toll.

"White Plains

Sept 8, 1937

Dear Harold Shapiro, Thanks for your thought of me-- I have no doubt that the book will be interesting. It has not reached me yet, but will be awaiting me on my return to Washington, if it is not forwarded to me here. Your … I have had a good summer and have been both indolent and idle.

With cordial greetings to Mrs. Shapiro and to you.

I am faithfully yours,

Benjamin N. Cardozo".

In late 1937, Cardozo had suffered a heart attack, and within a half year he would be dead. This period of illness and convalescence likely explains Cardozo's comments about being "indolent and idle".

A fantastic example of this important member of the Supreme Court.

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