Beschreibung:

Taney, Roger B. Autograph letter signed (“Roger B. Taney”) to John Kerr, discussing President John Adams and the Quasi-War with France 3 pages, bifolium (228 x 184 mm) with integral address leaf, Annapolis, 12 March 1799, discussing his health and the weather, but most importantly opining that “nothing less than an appeal to arms can, in my humble opinion, decide our quarrel with France” and voicing his “full confidence in the wisdom & integrity of” President John Adams; several crease folds, seal tear on second leaf not affecting body of letter, address leaf age-darkened. Roger B. Taney was the fifth chief justice of the United States, holding that office from 1836 until his death in 1864. He delivered the majority opinion in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), ruling that African Americans could not be considered citizens and that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories of the United States. Here, as a nearly twenty-two-year-old law student soon to be admitted to the Maryland bar, he writes to his fellow law student, friend, and future brother-in-law, John L. Kerr of Easton, Maryland, of his ardent admiration for the legal profession: "I expect you have found the gloom of winter admirably adapted to the study of law. When the sources of amusement are destroyed, study becomes at least a good substitute …" In spite of his Federalist leanings, Taney weighs the pros and cons of a potential war with France, applauding President John Adams's pacific efforts to staunch the political tensions between the United States and France. "... I can scarcely suppose that the most violent of the party opposed to administration, will hereafter venture to accuse Adams of wishing a war with France. The late nomination of three Envoys, to treat with that hostile nation, is such a convincing evidence of the sincerity of his pacific professions that nothing but the most prostituted corruption can insinuate that he is anxious to involve the United States in a war. But I must confess, that nothing less than an appeal to arms, can, in my opinion, decide our quarrel with France. However, I have full confidence in the wisdom and integrity of our President, & if peace can be obtained let us not shut the door of negotiation." One of the main problems Adams faced during his presidency was the Quasi-War with France (1798–1800). While most Americans were pro-French in the perpetual power struggle between France and Britain, Adams was alarmed by the French seizure of American merchant ships. The three ministers sent to France for negotiations completed their work on 30 September 1800. After several years of bitter political conflict at home, President Adams finally prevented war with France. Later he wrote that there was one thing he would like to be remembered for more than anything else. He gave himself the task of making peace with France, and he succeeded.Condition reportCondition as described in catalogue entry.