ADS in Taney's hand, signed "F. S. Key" and “R. B. Taney,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, no date. Legal document in the case of John Marker vs. Margaret Keefer in which Taney, as attorney for the defense, seeks to dismiss the action brought against Marker in that "the matters therein contained are not sufficient in law...to have or maintain her said action against him. " Taney signs at the head and conclusion; Francis Scott Key—his brother-in-law and fellow attorney—also adds his endorsement at the conclusion. In very good to fine condition, with lightly trimmed edges and multiple intersecting folds.
Taney (1777-1864) served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1836 until his death, most notably presiding over the infamous Dred Scott decision. Before holding that office, Taney served as secretary of the treasury and attorney general. Key (1779-1843) was a Baltimore lawyer who was inspired to write the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British in 1814.
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