CHARLES LEE

Notables

CHARLES LEE HANDLES A MATTER OF PIRACY AND MURDER ON THE HIGH SEA ABOARD THE FRIGATE “MEDUSA’

Autograph Letter Signed, as U.S. Attorney General, to Consul General of France, Philippe Joseph Létombe, reporting that he has done his duty by forwarding Létombe’s papers concerning the alleged acts of piracy at Norfolk. 3/4 page, 4to, with integral blank Philadelphia, 3 February 1797

“Your letter . . . relative to certain persons on board the frigate Medusa at Norfolk in Virginia supposed to have committed piracy and murder on the High Sea, has been laid before the Secretary of State for the purpose of communicating it . . . to the President of the United States (Adams) that he may direct what shall be done. . . . This is all that belongs to me in my official character to do, until I receive orders from the President.”

Provenance: Collection of William Wheeler III.

Charles Lee was born in Leesylvania, Virginia, in 1758. He received the degree of A.B. at Princeton University in 1775. He went on to study law in Philadelphia with Jared Ingersoll and was admitted to the bar in June of 1794. He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and served as a naval officer in the District of the Potomac.

President Washington appointed Charles Lee Attorney General on December 10, 1795 to succeed Attorney General William Bradford who had died in office. Lee continued as Attorney General under President Adams, serving until March 4, 1801. Lee then served one year as a circuit court judge before establishing his own law practice, taking up several important cases. Most notable of these cases was Marbury v. Madison, representing William Marbury against the United States in 1803. He would also successfully defend Associate Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Chase, before the Senate in 1805 in Justice Chase’s impeachment, and former Vice President, Aaron Burr, in Richmond when Burr was tried for treason in 1807. Charles Lee died in Fauquier County, Virginia, on June 24, 1815.

Related Collection Items

EMPRESS MARIA THERESA

PAUL REVERE

PATRICK HENRY

BENJAMIN GRAHAM

FAQ

How can I tell if my autograph is authentic?

Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that entails numerous factors such as the paper, ink, and penmanship. Comparing these elements to known examples is crucial in determining authenticity. If you lack experience in this area, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of professionals who can handle the task with expertise.

How are autographs priced?

The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors, including rarity, condition, content, and association. Accordingly, assigning a general value to letters can be challenging. This uniqueness is what adds thrill to autograph collecting and makes pricing a demanding task.

Are autographs a good investment?

The autograph market is subject to fluctuations like any other market and is sensitive to factors such as supply, demand, and the overall state of the economy. The autograph market differs from other markets as the availability, or supply, of autographs stops after an individual’s death. With the growth of the internet increasing the number of collectors and erasing geographical boundaries, there has been an upsurge in demand for autographs worldwide. Due to ongoing demand and limited supply, autograph prices have inevitably risen over the years, as witnessed by the Brams Collection. It is not advisable to invest in autographs for financial gain, as the autograph market is not especially “liquid” and does not pay dividends. Nevertheless, we believe that autographs are a stable financial investment that should increase in value over time. However, the rate of increase cannot be predicted or guaranteed with precision.

Are all your autographs and Items on your website?

We have a vast collection of autographs and items that are currently not uploaded on our website. If you do not find what you are looking for, please get in touch with us and we will be delighted to search our inventory for you.

What does a first-time buyer need to know?

Many advise collectors to specialize in a particular area of interest. However, your collection should provide you with personal satisfaction, and not focus solely on making a profitable investment or following the current trend. Always aim for top-quality pieces within your budget, recognizing that items not reaching your standard will remain mediocre. As a collector, it is essential to understand the market and ask pertinent questions before purchasing. Forming a trusted relationship with dealers can help them find desirable pieces to add to your collection.

How do you guarantee authenticity?

At Brams Collection, we pride ourselves on our extensive collection of authentic source materials. Our founder, Daniel Brams, is an expert in ink, paper, and penmanship, and has a deep understanding of the history of autographs and authentication techniques. We offer an unconditional guarantee of authenticity to the original purchaser, with no time limit. In addition, we promise competitive prices, prompt and courteous service, and a satisfaction guarantee.

My search returned no results. What should I do?

If you have conducted a thorough search using accurate spelling of the name or subject, and are unable to locate the item you desire, please reach out to us via our contact page. Our team will diligently search our inventory for autographs or items that may align with your interests.

What forms of Payment do you accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, debit cards, wire transfers, U.S. money orders, and checks drawn on American banks. For new customers, payment for purchases will be requested in advance. Existing clients are typically invoiced with a net 30-day payment term.

BramsCollection

Please contact us, whether you desire to purchase an item of historic significance or to sell your valuable piece of history.