Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1779–1845) who favored expanding federal power. ALS, one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.5, January 12, 1844. Letter to Justice John McLean. In part: “Mrs. Story is on the recovery, but she goes along slowly. My daughter has, however, in the meantime, owing to extreme anxiety and fatigue in attending her mother, been quite ill…At present, I can do little more than go from one sick room to another, and as soon as I am out of their rooms, I am obliged to be in my study to do up the remainder of my overwhelming law business. My health, however, continues—thanks to a good Providence—fine, and to go to Washington where I hope not to labour much, will be a real relief. How sadly it happens that vacancies on the Bench should occur just when we are least prepared for such a change and under such auspices!…I am impatient to be at my post.” Reverse of second integral page bears a hand-addressed free franked panel by Story, to “Mr. Justice McLean of the Supreme Court,” franked in the lower corner, “J. Story.” Intersecting folds, one through top of signature, and a couple small areas of paper loss to second integral page, otherwise fine condition. RR Auction COA.
