Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1792–1873) appointed by President Tyler, who concurred with Chief Justice Taney in the Dred Scott decision. ALS signed “S. Nelson,” one page, 5 x 7.75, April 3, 1871. Letter to Union General M. F. Force. In full: “I have received your invitation to attend the Annual Reunion of the Army of Tennessee on the 6th and 7th instant at the city of Cincinatti [sic] Ohio. I thank you for your kind invitation, but official engagements oblige me to respectfully decline it.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one wrinkled vertical fold slightly affecting the signature, scattered soiling with a heavy area to the lower left corner, scattered creases, and dings to the left edge. Accompanied by an unsigned engraving of Nelson. RR Auction COA.
