Chief Justice Roger Taney Favored Slavery -- Signed Document Fragment

ROGER BROOKE TANEY (March 17, 1777 – October 12, 1864) was the fifth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He delivered the majority opinion in Dred Scott vs. Sanford (1857) that ruled that African-Americans, having been considered inferior at the time the U.S. Constitution was drafted, were not part of the original community of citizens and, whether free or slave, could not be considered citizens.

Taney was appointed by Andrew Jackson. Prior to his taking his seat on the Supreme Court, he was attorney general and Secretary of the Treasury and was one of Jackson’s closest advisors.   He became a staunch supporter of slavery even after he freed 11 slaves he inherited and made anti-slavery statements while acting as a defense attorney.

Offering his autograph on a legal document fragment, 2 ¼ x 8, dated May 31, 1814.  Very nice signature.  Docketing on verso.

Expected toning. 

Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club and The Ephemera Society. [P 180]