Description:

CEASAR A. RODNEY
(1772-1824) U.S. Senator and Congressman from Delaware, Attorney General under Thomas Jefferson, nephew of Signer of the Declaration Caesar Rodney. Superb, historic content A.D.S., 1p. 4to., [n.p., n.d. but very likely between 1804-05], legal document sent to William B. Giles (1762-1830) longtime senator and congressman from Virginia, regarding events related to the impeachment proceedings of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase. In part: '...Mansfield:...He said it is certain that some one overt act must be proved in the county where the indictment is laid: indeed if any one be so proved in that county it will let in the proof of others...The same...is reported...by judge Peters[?] in Fries trial...In Fries trial...you will find the opinion of judges Iredell and Peters...the power of congress to define treason...I leave you the 1 vol. of [?] which contains the case of Marbury vs. Madison, and [?] containing Fries trial...' John Fries (1750-1818), a Pennsylvania auctioneer, was the organizer of the 'Fries Rebellion' which was an armed revolt among Pennsylvania Dutch farmers in response to taxes levied by Congress during the Quasi War with France in 1799. Fries and almost 30 other men were arrested, and he was subsequently charged with treason and sentenced to death. President John Adams later issued general amnesty to those involved due to the narrow constitutional definition of treason. Section Three of the Third Article of the U.S. Constitution states no person shall be charged with treason 'unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court' therefore making convictions of treason difficult. Fries' trial is mentioned here because its handling was used for one of the articles of impeachment brought against then Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase (1741-1811), a case in which Rodney served as one of the lead prosecutors. The ruling of Marbury vs. Madison, decided in 1803, established the precedent of judicial review allowing the Supreme Court to nullify federal laws. This deeply alarmed then President Thomas Jefferson and his democratic republican allies, and they sought to weaken Federalist influence on the court by orchestrating impeachment proceedings against Chase. He was charged with eight articles that ranged from allegedly giving a false legal definition for treason during the trial of Fries, to making political comments to grand juries. Rodney here is writing to Giles, also a supporter of Jefferson, who sought to see Chase removed. While eventually acquitted by the Senate, the articles were passed by the House of Representatives, making Chase the only Supreme Court Justice to be impeached. A truly unique, and important document.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

August 26, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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