Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland) (1808-1873) to Jehu Glancy Jones
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05677.03 Author/Creator: Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland) (1808-1873) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 April 1868 Pagination: 1 p. : envelope ; 14.1 x 11.1 cm. Order a Copy
Chase, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, responds to a letter from Jones, a judge and former United States Representative from Pennsylvania. Discussing the civic role of politicians, states "In my public life hitherto I have never had but one controlling rule of action; ascertain as truly as possible the duty of the present hour & then do it fearlessly ... "
Chase served as United States Senator from Ohio 1849-1854 and 1861-1862, Governor of Ohio 1855-1857, Secretary of the Treasury 1861-1864, and Chief Justice 1864-1873. Jones served as United States Representative 1851-1858, and as Minister to Austria 1858-1861.
[excerpt]
…In my public life hitherto I have had but one controlling rule of action; ascertain as truly as possible the duty of the present hour & then do it fearlessly, in reliance on God. I trust He will enable me to continue...upon this rule…
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