John McLean of Dred Scott Fame Archive of Slave Named Richard

A group of four documents and letters concerning Richard, a slave belonging to John McLean. On November 11, 1823, four weeks before he became Postmaster General under President James Monroe, John McLean hired a slave named Richard from Washington Bowie (1776-1826), a wealthy Georgetown merchant. Bowie later sold Richard to William S. Nicholls who sold him to McLean in 1828. John McLean (1785-1861) held two prominent positions in two branches of government during his career: U.S. Postmaster General between 1823-1829; and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1829 until his death in early April 1861. McLean later became known for his anti-slavery beliefs and was the sole dissenter in the fugitive slave case of Prigg v. Pennsylvania and one of only two justices to dissent in the landmark Dred Scott case.

The small archive comprised of:

1. Manuscript Document, 1p, measuring 8” x 7”. [Washington, 1823]. Minor defects at perimeter. Fine condition. In full, “Jno McLeane [sic] Esqr. Dr. To Washington Bowie. 1823 Novr 11th. To hire of sevant [sic] Richard from 26th June to date 4½ mos. Less time called off to nurse my son say ½ mo. 4 @ 8$. $32. Off for cloathing [sic] furnished.”

2. John McLean Autograph Statement Signed “McLean” in text, 2pp, measuring 8” x 9.75”, front & verso. [Washington, D.C., 1823-1826]. Fine condition. McLean lists clothing he gave to Richard before Nicholls bought him from Bowie. In full, “The following items have been furnished me by Mrs McLean as clothing given to Richard before Mr Nicholls purchased him.” John McLean lists the following, with prices, “Cash, 1 pair of pantaloons, 3 Shirts, 1 Suit of Clothes, Cassinet, Cash pd to Taylor for making the suit of clothes,” totaling $26.66¼ to which he added “2 pair of shoes 3.00” with new total of $29.66¼. McLean continues, “Under the circumstances that Mr Bowie intended to give Richard his time to Clothe him I gave him in cash $6. [McLean has added the $6.00 for a new total of $35.66¼ ] Whether this was before Mr. Nicholls purchased him or not I do not recollect. I was under the impression that there was that amt due for his wages & it was paid. By referring to the bills, I could give the dates of the purchases – but they were made sometime before Mr Nicholls purchased Richard. The clothing was all good, or the greater part of it, when Mr Nicholls purchased the boy – the $6 I gave him, was about the time of the purchase. Under the circumstances, I am willing to pay Mr Bowie whatever is proper and Mr Nicholls & Mr Bowie may determine the amt and Mr N. will oblige me by paying it.” 

3. William S. Nicholls Autograph Letter Signed “W.S. Nicholls,” 1p, measuring 8” x 7”. Georgetown, D.C., July 12, 1828. Tear in blank area from fold. Integral leaf (seal tear) addressed by Nicholls to “Honb. John McLean / Post Master General / Washington City.” Postmarked “Geoe.Town D.C. Jul 13” and “Free.” Very good condition. In full, “If perfectly convenient to you (and not otherwise) I shall be glad to have the amt due me for Richard – I have made up the a/c to this time, & Send you included the bill of sale, from Mr. Bowie with my assignment upon the same. I hope he has been a dutiful Servant & may continue to serve you. Faithfully very respectfully I am Dr Sir your ob Sert W.S. Nicholls.” In the upper portion of this page, William S. Nicholls has penned, in full, “John McLean Esqr To W.S. Nicholls Dr. 1823 Nov. 11. Negro Man named Richard $500.= bot by Me from W. Bowie. Interest from the 11th Nov 1823 to 11th July 1828 – 4 years & 8 mos. $140 // $640.” Computations in lower left.

4. William S. Nicholls Autograph Letter Signed “W.S. Nicholls,” 2pp, measuring 8” x 9.75”, front & verso. Georgetown, D.C., July 15, 1828. Minor nicks at right edge. Integral leaf (seal tear) addressed by Nicholls to “Honble. John McLean / Post Master General / Washington City / Mail.” Postmarked “Geoe.Town D.C. Jul 16” and “Free.” Docketed by McLean on address leaf: “Conveyance for / Richard.” Very good condition. In full, “Your favor of the 14th Inst is recd – I were [sic] not aware that we had fixed the price of Richard at 400$ = I recollect that, in a conversation, with you previous to my purchasing Richard, that you mentioned 400$ as the sum you would be willing to give, provided I made the purchase – as it was expected, he could be had for that sum – I assure you most positively that I paid 500$ for him & there cannot be a doubt of it = but notwithstanding, if the price was fixed at 100$ [sic, 400$] I should not now expect, or charge you more than I agreed fore – Mr. Bowie considered he gave me a great bargain at that time, - as house Servants Sold very high – Sometime after the purchase was made by me from Mr B. I recollect, you mentioned it was probable that you might wish to return to Ohio & in that event, you did not wish to own Slaves & that I agreed to make the Sale, or take him back, whichever might be most agreeable to you, - but as you are certain that we had fixed the price at 400$ I shall be satisfied to let it be so, - although I paid more, - I wish no more than I agreed for, - and if I had supposed that we had named 400$, I certainly should not have charged more in the a/c – I will call & see you the first time I come to your part of the City – in the mean time, I hope you will not put your self to any trouble, or inconvenience in this matter, as you can take your own time to settle it. With great respect I am Sir your Ob Svt. W.S. Nicholls.”In December 1825, “The National Intelligencer” published the following ad: “W. S. Nicholls, Georgetown. I want to purchase a servant boy, from 17 to 20 years of age, to wait in my family. For one of good character for honesty and sobriety, I will give a liberal price.” The records of the American Colonization Society, founded to “return” free African Americans to Africa, show that on January 6, 1840, in the Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, D.C., Rev. Mr. McKenney collected a donation from “Mrs. W.S. Nicholls $5.”

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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