Salem, May 12, 1823. One sheet, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (248 x 197 mm). Autograph letter, signed by Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story to Congressman Daniel Webster: "My dear Sir, Yours of this day I have just received. My thoughts are entirely in harmony with yours. I see little to approve in any of our political parties in this state. They act upon narrow, local views, & encourage no enlarged national spirit or (?) objects- But more of this when we meet- I am sorry that I cannot meet the Bunker Hill Monument Committee tomorrow. If by chance there should be an adjournment, while I am in Boston I will cheerfully attend. I am heartily for the project. I want to arrange affairs for our journey to Portsmouth, which I consider as settled. Mrs. Webster & you must sleep at our house on Monday night. On tuesday we depart for Ports'th; & return Friday or Saturday via Salem- I shall adjust with you the whole scheme when we meet-. Yours most truly & affectionately Joseph Story." Creasing from old folds, two small chips to left margin; in mat and in frame with engraved portrait of Story, 17 1/4 x 22 in. (451 x 559 mm).

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Joseph Story (1779-1845) writes to his friend and legal colleague Daniel Webster (1782-1852), who had just been reelected to the House of Representatives. He mentions the desire to discuss an ongoing legal case, as well as the Bunker Hill Monument Committee, for whom Webster would give one of his most celebrated speeches two years later, on the fiftieth anniversary of that battle.

Story and Webster had known each other since they met working in Portsmouth, New Hampshire where Webster opened a law office in 1806. The two men would remain friends and political allies for the rest of their lives, with each greatly influencing each other's jurisprudence, careers, and reputations.