Difference between revisions of "Decisions of Cases in Virginia, by the High Court of Chancery"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Decisions of Cases in Virginia, by the High Court of Chancery''}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Decisions of Cases in Virginia, by the High Court of Chancery''}}
 
===by George Wythe===
 
===by George Wythe===
__NOTOC__
 
 
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}}[[File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Signature2.jpg|left|thumb|300px|<center>Previous owner's signature, front free endpaper.</center>]]
 
}}[[File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Signature2.jpg|left|thumb|300px|<center>Previous owner's signature, front free endpaper.</center>]]
George Wythe (1726-1806), American legal scholar, politician, and judge, provided substantial contributions to the jurisprudence of a young nation.<ref>John E. Selby, [http://www.oxforddnb.com/templates/article.jsp?articleid=68777&back= Wythe, George (1725/6-1806)]” in ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', accessed March 28, 2014.</ref><br />
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[[George Wythe]] (1726 &ndash; 1806), American legal scholar, politician, and judge, provided substantial contributions to the jurisprudence of a young nation.<ref>John E. Selby, "[http://www.oxforddnb.com/templates/article.jsp?articleid=68777" in ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', accessed March 28, 2014.</ref>
<br />
+
 
Wythe served various roles throughout his career, two of which provide context for his ''Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery''. One produced a rivalry, and the other deep enmity, with one of his contemporaries, Edmund Pendleton. It was from this rivalry that Wythe’s ''Reports'' sprang.<ref>E. Lee Shepard, "George Wythe," in ''The Virginia Law Reporters Before 1880'', ed. W. Hamilton Bryson (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1977), 92.</ref><br />
+
Wythe served various roles throughout his career, two of which provide context for his ''Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery''. One produced a rivalry, and the other deep enmity, with one of his contemporaries, Edmund Pendleton. It was from this rivalry that Wythe’s ''Reports'' sprang.<ref>E. Lee Shepard, "George Wythe," in ''The Virginia Law Reporters Before 1880'', ed. W. Hamilton Bryson (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1977), 92.</ref>
<br />
+
 
Wythe first encountered Pendleton in the practice of law, as they were frequent adversaries in court.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  While Wythe exceeded in formulating complex, logically sounds arguments, Pendleton possessed the gift of eloquence.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  Often this led to Pendleton winning cases with a weaker argument, as Wythe’s complex arguments often exceeded the comprehension of the jury.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  The friction generated between these steadfast competitors in these early years evidently sowed the seeds of a life-long rivalry.<br />
+
Wythe first encountered Pendleton in the practice of law, as they were frequent adversaries in court.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  While Wythe exceeded in formulating complex, logically sounds arguments, Pendleton possessed the gift of eloquence.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  Often this led to Pendleton winning cases with a weaker argument, as Wythe's complex arguments often exceeded the comprehension of the jury.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  The friction generated between these steadfast competitors in these early years evidently sowed the seeds of a life-long rivalry.
<br />
+
 
Eventually, Wythe and Pendleton both served as judges for the High Court of Chancery, where, despite frequent compromise, their political differences became evident.<ref>Ibid., 93.</ref> While Wythe favored going beyond precedent to establish new policies for the young nation, Pendleton favored a more conservative approach.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  This was most visible in Wythe’s decision in ''[[Commonwealth v. Caton]]'' where he disagreed sharply with Pendleton’s willingness to absolve the legislature of overstepping its bounds and posited an early version of judicial review.<ref>Ibid.</ref><br />
+
Eventually, Wythe and Pendleton both served as judges for the High Court of Chancery, where, despite frequent compromise, their political differences became evident.<ref>Ibid., 93.</ref> While Wythe favored going beyond precedent to establish new policies for the young nation, Pendleton favored a more conservative approach.<ref>Ibid.</ref>  This was most visible in Wythe's decision in ''[[Commonwealth v. Caton]]'' where he disagreed sharply with Pendleton’s willingness to absolve the legislature of overstepping its bounds and posited an early version of judicial review.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
[[File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Bookplate.jpg|left|thumb|300px|<center>Booklabel of Inman Horner with the signature of Joseph Horner, front pastedown.</center>]]
+
 
The rivalry reached its zenith when Pendleton was elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeals.<ref>Ibid.</ref> This enabled Pendleton to overrule or alter Wythe’s opinions in final, binding decisions, a power he exercised in a majority of Wythe’s cases.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Wythe was not one to let his opponent have the last word, and his reports were a means of publicizing his ideas.<ref>Ibid., 93-94.</ref> The reports "[i]ndicate just how erudite, how deeply learned in the law Wythe really was."<ref>Ibid., 94.</ref> In going beyond precedent, Wythe drew from a wide variety of sources in reaching his conclusions, including classical literature.<ref>Ibid.</ref> And although Wythe was usually known as being mild and impartial, his work contained remarks that were "unrestrainedly caustic" in attacking Edmund Pendleton.<ref>Ibid.</ref> In addition, Wythe designed his reports so that the final opinion put Pendleton in the most negative light.<ref>Ibid.</ref><br />
+
[[File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Bookplate.jpg|left|thumb|300px|<center>Book label of Inman Horner with the signature of Joseph Horner, front pastedown.</center>]]
<br />
+
The rivalry reached its zenith when Pendleton was elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeals.<ref>Ibid.</ref> This enabled Pendleton to overrule or alter Wythe's opinions in final, binding decisions, a power he exercised in a majority of Wythe's cases.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Wythe was not one to let his opponent have the last word, and his reports were a means of publicizing his ideas.<ref>Ibid., 93-94.</ref> The reports "[i]ndicate just how erudite, how deeply learned in the law Wythe really was."<ref>Ibid., 94.</ref> In going beyond precedent, Wythe drew from a wide variety of sources in reaching his conclusions, including classical literature.<ref>Ibid.</ref> And although Wythe was usually known as being mild and impartial, his work contained remarks that were "unrestrainedly caustic" in attacking Edmund Pendleton.<ref>Ibid.</ref> In addition, Wythe designed his reports so that the final opinion put Pendleton in the most negative light.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
After publishing ''Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery'' in 1795, Wythe became fatalistic, knowing that his opinions were bound to be altered or overturned by his rival.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Nevertheless, he continued publishing additional opinions in pamphlet form.<ref>Ibid.</ref> The 1852 edition of Wythe’s Reports contains the original work as well as these additional materials.<ref>Ibid., 95.</ref>
+
 
 +
After publishing ''Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery'' in 1795, Wythe became fatalistic, knowing that his opinions were bound to be altered or overturned by his rival.<ref>Ibid.</ref> Nevertheless, he continued publishing additional opinions in pamphlet form.<ref>Ibid.</ref> The [[Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery (1852)|1852 edition of Wythe's Reports]] contains the original work as well as these additional materials.<ref>Ibid., 95.</ref>
  
 
==Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library==
 
==Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library==
 +
 
As author, Wythe would have owned his own case reports. Additionally, the title is listed in the [[Jefferson Inventory]] as "Wythe's Chancery decisions. fol. & 8vo." Jefferson kept both titles (this volume and an octavo version of subsequent case reports). The University of Virginia owns a copy which includes a handwritten note on the front flyleaf: "Memorandum. This copy of Wythe's Reports, was the Chancellor's own copy, and is annotated in his own peculiar handwriting, and with quotations illustrative of the text from Greek authors. After leaving the bench, Judge Wythe presented this book to Thomas Jefferson; it was subsequently owned by George Wythe Randolph, R.G.H. Kean (Rector of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia), and Jefferson Randolph Kean. Given to the University of Virginia Law School by J.R. Kean in 1925, in memory of his father, R.G.H. Kean."<ref>See the record from the University of Virginia's online catalog [http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/u1937534 here].</ref> The volume also includes Wythe's manuscript notes throughout the volume. There are also a few marginal notes in the copy of Wythe's Reports that Jefferson sold to the Library of Congress. That volume may also have been Wythe's originally.
 
As author, Wythe would have owned his own case reports. Additionally, the title is listed in the [[Jefferson Inventory]] as "Wythe's Chancery decisions. fol. & 8vo." Jefferson kept both titles (this volume and an octavo version of subsequent case reports). The University of Virginia owns a copy which includes a handwritten note on the front flyleaf: "Memorandum. This copy of Wythe's Reports, was the Chancellor's own copy, and is annotated in his own peculiar handwriting, and with quotations illustrative of the text from Greek authors. After leaving the bench, Judge Wythe presented this book to Thomas Jefferson; it was subsequently owned by George Wythe Randolph, R.G.H. Kean (Rector of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia), and Jefferson Randolph Kean. Given to the University of Virginia Law School by J.R. Kean in 1925, in memory of his father, R.G.H. Kean."<ref>See the record from the University of Virginia's online catalog [http://search.lib.virginia.edu/catalog/u1937534 here].</ref> The volume also includes Wythe's manuscript notes throughout the volume. There are also a few marginal notes in the copy of Wythe's Reports that Jefferson sold to the Library of Congress. That volume may also have been Wythe's originally.
 +
 
==Description of the Wolf Law Library's Copy==
 
==Description of the Wolf Law Library's Copy==
 +
 
Bound in contemporary full calf. Spine features raised bands and red morocco label with gilt lettering. Copy has previous owner's signatures "Rudolph Bumgardner, Staunton, VA 1906" on the front free endpaper and "James Byrne" on the title page. The frontpastedown includes the book label of "Inman Horner" which has been crossed out and replaced with the signature "Joseph Horner." The front pastedown also has the signature of [[Daniel Call|Dan Call]], a Virginia reporter and former student of Wythe's. "Daniel Call" also appears on the title page. Call "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonplace_book commonplaced]" the book, writing notes for various subjects on the rear blanks and pastedown. Purchased from Franklin Gilliam Rare Books.
 
Bound in contemporary full calf. Spine features raised bands and red morocco label with gilt lettering. Copy has previous owner's signatures "Rudolph Bumgardner, Staunton, VA 1906" on the front free endpaper and "James Byrne" on the title page. The frontpastedown includes the book label of "Inman Horner" which has been crossed out and replaced with the signature "Joseph Horner." The front pastedown also has the signature of [[Daniel Call|Dan Call]], a Virginia reporter and former student of Wythe's. "Daniel Call" also appears on the title page. Call "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonplace_book commonplaced]" the book, writing notes for various subjects on the rear blanks and pastedown. Purchased from Franklin Gilliam Rare Books.
  
 +
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<gallery widths=200px heights=300px perrow=3>
 
<gallery widths=200px heights=300px perrow=3>
 
File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Notes1.jpg|<center>"Account" through "Debts British," rear blank.</center>
 
File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Notes1.jpg|<center>"Account" through "Debts British," rear blank.</center>
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File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Notes6.jpg|<center>"Refferrees" through "Wills and Testaments," rear pastedown.</center>
 
File:WytheDecisionsOfCases1795Notes6.jpg|<center>"Refferrees" through "Wills and Testaments," rear pastedown.</center>
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
</center>
  
 
Images of the library's copy of this book are [https://www.flickr.com/photos/wolflawlibrary/albums/72157658714111146 available on Flickr.] View the record for this book in [https://catalog.swem.wm.edu/law/Record/2076105 William & Mary's online catalog.]
 
Images of the library's copy of this book are [https://www.flickr.com/photos/wolflawlibrary/albums/72157658714111146 available on Flickr.] View the record for this book in [https://catalog.swem.wm.edu/law/Record/2076105 William & Mary's online catalog.]
 +
 +
===Full text===
 +
*[http://lawlibrary.wm.edu/wythepedia/library/WytheDecisionsOfCasesInVirginiaByTheHighCourtOfChancery1795.pdf ''Decisions of Cases in Virginia, by the High Court of Chancery''] (15MB PDF)
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 +
 
*[[George Wythe Room]]
 
*[[George Wythe Room]]
 
*[[Jefferson Inventory]]
 
*[[Jefferson Inventory]]
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<references/>
 
<references/>
  
 +
__NOTOC__
 
[[Category:Case Reports]]
 
[[Category:Case Reports]]
 
[[Category:Chancery Reports]]
 
[[Category:Chancery Reports]]

Revision as of 10:24, 30 June 2016

by George Wythe

Wythe's Reports
WytheDecisionsOfCases1795.jpg

Title page from Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery, George Wythe Collection, Wolf Law Library, College of William & Mary.

Author George Wythe
Editor {{{editor}}}
Translator {{{trans}}}
Published Richmond: Printed by Thomas Nicolson
Date 1795
Edition First
Language English
Volumes {{{set}}} volume set
Pages 165, [3]
Desc. Folio (32 cm.)
Location Shelf L-5
  [[Shelf {{{shelf2}}}]]
Previous owner's signature, front free endpaper.

George Wythe (1726 – 1806), American legal scholar, politician, and judge, provided substantial contributions to the jurisprudence of a young nation.[1]

Wythe served various roles throughout his career, two of which provide context for his Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery. One produced a rivalry, and the other deep enmity, with one of his contemporaries, Edmund Pendleton. It was from this rivalry that Wythe’s Reports sprang.[2]

Wythe first encountered Pendleton in the practice of law, as they were frequent adversaries in court.[3] While Wythe exceeded in formulating complex, logically sounds arguments, Pendleton possessed the gift of eloquence.[4] Often this led to Pendleton winning cases with a weaker argument, as Wythe's complex arguments often exceeded the comprehension of the jury.[5] The friction generated between these steadfast competitors in these early years evidently sowed the seeds of a life-long rivalry.

Eventually, Wythe and Pendleton both served as judges for the High Court of Chancery, where, despite frequent compromise, their political differences became evident.[6] While Wythe favored going beyond precedent to establish new policies for the young nation, Pendleton favored a more conservative approach.[7] This was most visible in Wythe's decision in Commonwealth v. Caton where he disagreed sharply with Pendleton’s willingness to absolve the legislature of overstepping its bounds and posited an early version of judicial review.[8]

Book label of Inman Horner with the signature of Joseph Horner, front pastedown.

The rivalry reached its zenith when Pendleton was elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeals.[9] This enabled Pendleton to overrule or alter Wythe's opinions in final, binding decisions, a power he exercised in a majority of Wythe's cases.[10] Wythe was not one to let his opponent have the last word, and his reports were a means of publicizing his ideas.[11] The reports "[i]ndicate just how erudite, how deeply learned in the law Wythe really was."[12] In going beyond precedent, Wythe drew from a wide variety of sources in reaching his conclusions, including classical literature.[13] And although Wythe was usually known as being mild and impartial, his work contained remarks that were "unrestrainedly caustic" in attacking Edmund Pendleton.[14] In addition, Wythe designed his reports so that the final opinion put Pendleton in the most negative light.[15]

After publishing Decisions of Cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery in 1795, Wythe became fatalistic, knowing that his opinions were bound to be altered or overturned by his rival.[16] Nevertheless, he continued publishing additional opinions in pamphlet form.[17] The 1852 edition of Wythe's Reports contains the original work as well as these additional materials.[18]

Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library

As author, Wythe would have owned his own case reports. Additionally, the title is listed in the Jefferson Inventory as "Wythe's Chancery decisions. fol. & 8vo." Jefferson kept both titles (this volume and an octavo version of subsequent case reports). The University of Virginia owns a copy which includes a handwritten note on the front flyleaf: "Memorandum. This copy of Wythe's Reports, was the Chancellor's own copy, and is annotated in his own peculiar handwriting, and with quotations illustrative of the text from Greek authors. After leaving the bench, Judge Wythe presented this book to Thomas Jefferson; it was subsequently owned by George Wythe Randolph, R.G.H. Kean (Rector of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia), and Jefferson Randolph Kean. Given to the University of Virginia Law School by J.R. Kean in 1925, in memory of his father, R.G.H. Kean."[19] The volume also includes Wythe's manuscript notes throughout the volume. There are also a few marginal notes in the copy of Wythe's Reports that Jefferson sold to the Library of Congress. That volume may also have been Wythe's originally.

Description of the Wolf Law Library's Copy

Bound in contemporary full calf. Spine features raised bands and red morocco label with gilt lettering. Copy has previous owner's signatures "Rudolph Bumgardner, Staunton, VA 1906" on the front free endpaper and "James Byrne" on the title page. The frontpastedown includes the book label of "Inman Horner" which has been crossed out and replaced with the signature "Joseph Horner." The front pastedown also has the signature of Dan Call, a Virginia reporter and former student of Wythe's. "Daniel Call" also appears on the title page. Call "commonplaced" the book, writing notes for various subjects on the rear blanks and pastedown. Purchased from Franklin Gilliam Rare Books.

Images of the library's copy of this book are available on Flickr. View the record for this book in William & Mary's online catalog.

Full text

See also

References

  1. John E. Selby, "[http://www.oxforddnb.com/templates/article.jsp?articleid=68777" in Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, accessed March 28, 2014.
  2. E. Lee Shepard, "George Wythe," in The Virginia Law Reporters Before 1880, ed. W. Hamilton Bryson (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 1977), 92.
  3. Ibid.
  4. Ibid.
  5. Ibid.
  6. Ibid., 93.
  7. Ibid.
  8. Ibid.
  9. Ibid.
  10. Ibid.
  11. Ibid., 93-94.
  12. Ibid., 94.
  13. Ibid.
  14. Ibid.
  15. Ibid.
  16. Ibid.
  17. Ibid.
  18. Ibid., 95.
  19. See the record from the University of Virginia's online catalog here.