Description:

Marshall John

Bi-fold autograph letter signed, which when opened is 12" x 7.25". Dated "August 31, 1811", and signed by John Marshall as "J Marshall". Letter gently toned with a few pale scattered stains. Remnants of the wax seal present to right edge with typical hole present from opening the letter. The document is set off with a linen mat and framed with a lovely engraving of Marshall. Framed in a rubbed gilt tone frame to a completed size of 19.25" x 25" with windows on both sides to show the recto and verso of the document. Frame contains a few scant nicks. Not examined outside of frame.

A superb personal letter from John Marshall to his nephew, Charles, regarding his schooling and ambitions. What makes this letter most intriguing are Marshall's references to West Point, which only 9 years earlier had opened its doors as a military academy. At the time his nephew was attending West Point and apparently was quite dissatisfied with both the school and the quality of the education. Charles must have written to his uncle regarding his West Point concerns as Marshall responded to him expressing his surprise about the quality of the school being inferior, but also his support to leave West Point and instead make a "commitment to the bar", and noting that "his situation in life certainly be much more eligible than it could probably be by becoming a soldier" (quite an endorsement coming from a Chief Justice). His letter is shown in full below:

"Richmond August 31, 1811

My dear Nephew

On receiving your letter I wrote to your mother informing her of your opinion + that of my brother Louis respecting the removal of Charles from West Point + telling her also that I concurred (illegible) the sentiment you had both expressed. I hope you have yourself written to her on the subject. If the school is not a good one as I suppose is the fact, though I was led by the information I received to think otherwise, there can be no sufficient motive, for his continuing at it. With proper exertions his situation in life certainly be much more eligible than it could probably be by becoming a soldier.

I shall be happy to have of your commitment at the bar. I should understand you letter as indicating the expectation of beginning before you attain the age of 21, but I suppose I must have misunderstood you. Labor energy and persevering .. Will be required to surmount the difficulties which you will encounter at first but you may be assured they are surmountable + the reward which attends those who are successful will I trust be a sufficient stimulus to you to (illegible) to the utmost every faculty which nature may have bestowed upon you. Your father was an excellent lawyer as well as an excellent man + I hope his son will be inferior to him neither in talents nor character.

William was prevented from going to Kentucky by the loss of his home, but he has purchased another + will probably see you before this reaches you. Hope he will obtain information which will be useful to him + will compensate for his journey. (illegible) my love to all my friends around you + believe me my dear nephew to be your affectionate

Marshall".


West Point's role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the strategic importance of the commanding plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America. Washington personally selected Thaddeus Kosciuszko, one of the heroes of Saratoga, to design the fortifications for West Point in 1778, and Washington transferred his headquarters to West Point in 1779. Continental soldiers built forts, batteries and redoubts and extended a 150-ton iron chain across the Hudson to control river traffic. Fortress West Point was never captured by the British, despite Benedict Arnold's treason. West Point's academy graduated its first official graduate in October 1802, approximately 9 years before John Marshall's nephew had attended. However in it early tumultuous years, the academy featured few standards for admission or length of study. Cadets ranged in age from 10 years to 37 years and attended between 6 months to 6 years. The impending War of 1812 caused the United States Congress to authorize a more formal system of education at the academy and increased the size of the Corps of Cadets to 250.

A highly unique and personal letter, from Chief Justice John Marshall to his nephew encouraging him to practice law, but also reflecting on the chaotic early years of West Point. Handsomely presented.

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