Chase was U.S. Secretary of the Treasury for the first three years of Abraham Lincoln's term, after which Lincoln appointed him to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In that role Chase presided over the 1868 impeachment trial of president Andrew Johnson. He also served terms as U.S. senator from Ohio and as governor of the same state. In earlier years Chase was well-known for defending escaped slaves, earning him the nickname "The Attorney General of Fugitive Slaves." ALS signed “S. P. Chase,” one page, 7.25 x 9, February 28, 1857. Letter to a friend. In part, “I had hoped for the time and leisure to write an appropriate answer but the ‘small hours’ of the sessions are come and the agreeable duty remains unperformed…I will have to attend…to the President, but the death of Mrs. Fillmore’s sister prevents the reception. I will have to hurry off…” Light toning along left edge and to folds, otherwise fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
