Lot 393

M.R. Waite Supreme Court Justice on Official Life & Being "acknowledged leader of the bar"

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M.R. Waite Supreme Court Justice on Official Life & Being "acknowledged leader of the bar"

Estimate: $200 - $300

Current Bid: $120

(3 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Morrison Waite
Lyme, CT, July 7, 1879
M.R. Waite Supreme Court Justice on Official Life & Being "acknowledged leader of the bar"
ALS

Autograph Letter Signed by Supreme Court Justice Morrison Remick Waite, dated July 7, 1879, from Lyme, CT, and written in dark ink on two sheets of cream stationery. The ALS is addressed to Charles O'Conor, a top NY lawyer and 1872 Presidential candidate. In the letter, Waite accepts an invitation to dinner in New York City at an East 15th Street restaurant. In fine condition, boldly signed, measures 4.875" x 8".

In full:

"My dear Mr. O'Connor

I did not believe it possible for me to get away from New York without calling as you know to thank you again for all your kind attentions during my stay. Every hour seemed, however, to have its special calls, and I find myself here without having had that pleasure. I beg you not to believe it has been because of any want of appreciation of the very high compliment you paid me, or of the obligations under which I was placed, coming as it did at the end of the first five years of my official life, from one who has been for so many years the acknowledged leader of the bar, it was peculiarly gratifying to my feelings, and I sincerely hope that nothing may occur in the future to make me wish it had never been given.

Sincerely & gratefully yours
M. R. Waite"

Morrison Remick Waite (1816-1888) served as Chief Justice of the United States from 1874 until his death in 1888, appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant. His tenure oversaw significant post-Civil War constitutional developments, including cases interpreting the Reconstruction Amendments and defining the balance between federal and state authority.

This 1879 letter dates to the midpoint of Waite's tenure and references the "first five years of my official life," offering a personal reflection on his role as Chief Justice. The recipient, prominent attorney Charles O'Conor, was one of the most distinguished legal figures of the 19th century, making this correspondence particularly significant within the legal and historical community.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4.875" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000