[Russell, John]: [Webster, Daniel]: [Hopkinson, Joseph]:

$1,500 · Offered by William Reese Company · No longer available

MEMOIRS OF THE AFFAIRS OF EUROPE FROM THE PEACE OF UTRECHT [Vol. 1]. A fine association copy given by Daniel Webster to Joseph Hopkinson, inscribed by Hopkinson on the titlepage: "Jos. Hopkinson presented by Danl. Webster."Joseph Hopkinson (1770-1842), son of signer of the Declaration of Independence Francis Hopkinson, is perhaps best known as the author of "Hail Columbia." He was a prominent lawyer, defending the rebels involved in the Whiskey Rebellion, representing Benjamin Rush in a libel suit against William Cobbett, and acting as counsel to Samuel Chase in his impeachment trial. Hopkinson would also serve in the U.S. House from Pennsylvania, and as a District Court judge. Hopkinson and Daniel Webster (1782-1852) had a close professional relationship, with Webster requesting Hopkinson as an associate in representing Dartmouth during the landmark legal case of Dartmouth College v. Woodward in 1819, which cemented the concept into U.S. law (already present in English common law) that private charitable organizations served the public good. This decision also strengthened the Contracts Clause and limited the power of the states to interfere with private charters, including those of commercial enterprises. The final argument for the plaintiffs was made by Hopkinson. This case is one of several still cited today as the basis for the protection of corporate persons under the Constitution. Aside from his long and important service in the U.S. House and Senate, Webster also serv

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