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LS signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 8 x 9.75, June 25, 1790. Letter to "His Excellency, Gov'r of Georgia," Edward Telfair, enclosing an act effecting the expansion of the federal judiciary into the State of Rhode Island, mere weeks after it became the last of the 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution. In full: "I have the honor to send you herein inclosed, two copies duly authenticated of the Act intituled, 'An Act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States,' within the State of Rhode Island and Providence plantations." In very good to fine condition, with complete silking to the reverse, paper loss to the lower left corner, a tiny bit of paper loss to the last name of the signature, and bleeding to the ink not affecting readability. Accompanied by an issue of the Columbian Centinel newspaper of July 28, 1790, which carries the text of several early acts of Congress.
Rhode Island was the last of the original colonies to ratify the US Constitution on May 29, 1790, less than a month prior to this letter. Article III established only the Supreme Court while granting Congress the power to create lower courts as necessary—a modest example of the 'checks and balances' between the three branches of government. On June 23, Congress proceeded to "establish the Judicial Courts of the United States,' within the State of Rhode Island," and organize Rhode Island as one judicial district assigned to the Eastern Circuit with a single authorizing judgeship. Jefferson subsequently notified the nation's governors by sending copies of the newly passed statute. This letter represents the very beginnings of the United States, invoking the Constitutional powers granted to the federal government upon ratification. It is an early example of Jefferson's role in the creation of the American judicial system, an influence which would only increase during his term as president.
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