Samuel Chase Important DS Re : Maryland Waterfront

CHASE, Samuel. Document Signed, “Samuel Chase”, 2pp of a bifolium, 7.75" x 10", [Maryland], March 16, 1807. Docketed at verso. Separated along integral vertical fold; horizontal folds with separation; paper loss at top left blank area of second sheet; moderate toning and scattered foxing.

Samuel Chase records the delineation of his property and wharf in Maryland. Addressed, “For the Committee on Mr. Chase's Application”, Chase’s application details the specifics of the bay accessing his Maryland property. One side of the document lists the depth of the water along the bay, specifics of his property, and various obstructions. The opposite side records safety concerns and proposed mitigations. It appears to be related to a construction application.

The application reads, in part, “The Base of Sand and Dirt south of Mr. Chase's Piles for the distance of 230 feet must be removed, or filled up and wharved; or the navigation for Bay Craft must remain obstructed for that distance…The obstruction above mentioned (of 230 feet) cannot be removed by Mr. Chase, because of the great expense, as it will cost three times the Sum to remove, as to fill up...No Individual can possibly be injured by permitting Mr. Chase to extend his Wharf to 8 feet water, and he thinks such extension will improve the navigation of the Basin..."

Samuel Chase (1741-1811) was a Maryland lawyer and judge and was a founding member of his local chapter of the Sons of Liberty and vehemently protested the Stamp Act. Later, he was chosen as a delegate for Maryland to the Continental Congress. Though not present when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, he was instrumental in pushing Maryland's vote for independence. He later signed the engrossed copy of the Declaration with most of the other signers on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. Chase was appointed an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court by George Washington and served from 1796 through 1811. His politics had evolved over the years, and his Federalist beliefs landed him squarely against Jefferson and his Republican allies. He was served with eight articles of impeachment having to do with cases he had presided over in lower courts and all alleged impropriety influenced by his partisan leanings. Chase successfully defended his case, citing adherence to precedent in all instances. He was acquitted of all charges and is the only Supreme Court Justice to have been impeached to date.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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