"IT WAS PROBABLE THE PAYMENT MIGHT BE MADE THROUGH GENERAL BRECKENRIDGE, OR, IF NOT, THROUGH SOME MERCHANT WHO SENDS HEMP TO RICHMOND"

MARSHALL, John. Autograph letter signed. Richmond, Virginia, October 25, 1820. One sheet, measuring 7-1/2 by 6 inches folded; floated, matted and framed with a portrait, with verso displayed with a copy of the recto, entire piece measures 16 by 17-1/2 inches. $15,000.

Autograph letter signed by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, arranging for the payment to his brother of a debt owed to him of $1307.

The letter reads in full: "Richmond October 25th 1820. Sir: My brother James received the other day as a remittance from Kentucky a bill drawn on you by James A Paxton for 1307 $ payable thirty days after sight. As you have no doubt received a letter of advice informing you of this draft and as there would be some inconvenience and no utility in sending it to you for presentation my brother supposed that you would make arrangements for the payment in like manner as if it was actually presented and for this purpose has placed the bill in my hands supposing that it would probably suit you to pay at this place at least as well as to pay in Rockbridge. If he has been mistaken in this the bill must take the usual course. If he is not mistaken it will much oblige him if you will write to me on the subject and say when and through what channel the payment may be expected. I mentioned the subject to our friend W. Gamble who said that it was probable the payment might be made through General Breckenridge, or, if not, through some merchant who sends hemp to Richmond. He particularly mentioned W. Caruthers. Very respectfully I am your obedt J Marshall." James Markham Marshall, like his brother John, was a wealthy Virginia planter and land owner who also practiced law and was appointed to the Federal judiciary, serving (briefly) as a circuit court judge for the District of Columbia. The entire Marshall family has financial interests in Kentucky, many of them having moved there after the Revolutionary War along with their father Thomas Marshall to take advantage of the bounty land grants offered to veterans after the war. For display purposes, part of the text is shown in facsimile on both sides of the frame.

Fold lines. A few faint inkstains. Handsomely framed.