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Curtis, Benjamin Robbins, 1809-1874

 

Dates

  • Existence: 1809 - 1874

Biography

Benjamin Robbins Curtis (November 4, 1809 – September 15, 1874) was an American lawyer and judge. He served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1851 to 1857. Curtis was the first and only Whig justice of the Supreme Court, and was also the first Supreme Court justice to have a formal law degree. He is often remembered as one of the two dissenters in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).

Curtis resigned from the Supreme Court in 1857 to return to private legal practice in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1868, Curtis was President Andrew Johnson's defense lawyer during Johnson's impeachment trial.

Found in 10 Collections and/or Records:

Benjamin Rebbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 855168
Mss 855168
Date(s): 1855-02-18
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Benjamin Rebbins Curtis in Washington to "My dear uncle [George Ticknor] in Boston, accepting Ticknor's offer to visit while in Boston. Speaks of the political situation and the need for a conservative press.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 855365
Mss 855365
Date(s): 1855-06-15
Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis to "My dear uncle" [i.e. George Ticknor], telling him that Anna seems to be doing well

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859377
Mss 859377
Date(s): 1859-06-27
Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to George Ticknor, telling him that he purchaseds a house and asks Ticknor to visit on his way to Niagara.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859377.3
Mss 859377.3
Date(s): 1859-06-27
Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis in Pittsfield to George Ticknor, telling him that he hopes Ticknor will stay at his house on his way to Niagara.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859409.1
Mss 859409.1
Date(s): 1859-07-09
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis in Pittsfield to "Uncle" [i.e. George Ticknor], telling him that he thinks Ticknor needs rest and change to recover from his illness, and is encouraged to visit at Pittsfield. Anna should go to Arizona.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859503
Mss 859503
Date(s): 1859-09-03
Scope and Contents

Four-page letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis in Pittsfield to "My dear Uncle" [i.e. George Ticknor], telling him he has been very busy this summer with professional engagements. Enjoys Pittsfield. Gives news of family members.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859513
Mss 859513
Date(s): 1859-09-13
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis in Boston to George Ticknor, telling him that his vacation is over and he must aply himself to work. Hopes Ticknor will visit Pittsfield.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859522
Mss 859522
Date(s): 1859-09-22
Scope and Contents

Four-page letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis to George Ticknor, telling him that he hopes Ticknor will stay at Maplehurst for some time. Annais curious about what was said about Mr. Choate.

Benjamin Robbins Curtis letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 861153
Mss 861153
Date(s): 1861-02-03
Scope and Contents

Letter from Benjamin Robbins Curtis to George Ticknor, sending Walter's note announcing his engagement.

George Ticknor letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 859457
Mss 859457
Date(s): 1859-08-07
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from George Ticknor at Niagara Falls to Benjamin Robbins Curtis, asking Curtis to join the writer and talks about the natural beauty of Niagara.

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