AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, FROM JOSEPH HOPKINSON, DATED NOVEMBER 13, 1811, TO JOHN SERGEANT, ESQ.: DEAR SIR| TO PREVENT ANY FUTURE MISUNDERSTANDING, IT MAY BE WELL TO SAY EXPLICITLY, THAT THE AGREEMENT JUST MADE TO ENTER A VERDICT FOR THE PLAINTIFF IN THE CASE OF CLATON & DUNHAM VS. GEO. SMITH, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, SHALL ONLY BE CONSIDERED TO BE IN LIEU OF THE FIRST TRIAL MENTIONED IN THE CONSOLIDATION AGREEMENT, AND TO DEPRIVE THE DEFENDANT OF ANY RIGHT TO A SECOND TRIAL UNDER THAT AGREEMENT, BUT IN NO OTHER WAY TO PREJUDICE HIM.| JOS. HOPKINSON| NOV. 13, 1811| SERGEANT ESQ. [On verso: JOHN SERGEANT, ESQ.].
[Philadelphia: 1811]. 5.25" x 8". [4] pp, folded. Letter is on page [1] in ink manuscript, two interior pages blank, final page with name of addressee in manuscript. Tanned, strip of archival tape at inner margin of final page [previously mounted]. Very Good.
Joseph Hopkinson [1791-1842] was a Philadelphia lawyer. He and Sergeant were probably opposing counsel in the case to which this letter refers. Hopkinson had been counsel for Justice Samuel Chase in Chase's Senate impeachment trial. He was a Congressman from 1816-1820, and became Judge of the United States District Court of Eastern Pennsylvania in 1828, a position he held until his death. He wrote the song, "Hail Columbia".
John Sergeant [1779-1852], also a Philadelphia lawyer, had a long career in private practice and public office. In 1832 he was Henry Clay's running mate as vice-presidential candidate of the National Republican Party. Item #31013
Price: $125.00