ALS signed “J. Marshall,” one page, 7.25 x 9, April 9, 1807. Handwritten letter to Judge William Cranch, who was then serving as Reporter of Decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. In full: "I have intended to write to you for some time but have always neglected to do so. I accidentally took up a paper soon after my return from Washington which contained the opinion given by the supreme court on the question whether a habeas corpus could be awarded. On reading it I observed that the clause respecting the proviso is misstated. This is undoubtedly my fault as I recollect well that there were interlineations in that fact which rendered it almost illegible to myself. I hope the opinion has not been forwarded to the press. But be this as it may I must beg the favor of you to send me either my original opinion on this preliminary notion, or, if you have it not, a copy of one or two sentences which relate to the proviso as made out by yourself. I shall perhaps be able to decipher my own writing, or, if you have it not, to correct the mistake into which you have been led in copying, by my negligence & hurry. I am dear sir with much esteem your obed't serv't." Addressed on the integral leaf in Marshall's hand: "The Honble William Cranch, Washington City." In fine condition.
Provenance: The archive of a direct descendant of Abigail Adams's only sister, Mary Cranch. Never before offered.
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