787. BATTURE, Marshall's bias and.—
In speaking of Livingston's suit, I omitted
to observe that it is a little doubted that his
knowledge of Marshall's character has induced
him to bring this action. His twistifications
in the case of Marbury, in that of Burr, and the
Yazoo case show how dexterously he can
reconcile law to his own personal biasses; and
nobody seems to doubt that he is ready prepared
to decide that Livingston's right to the
batture is unquestionable, and that I am
bound to pay for it with my private fortune.—
To President Madison.
Ford ed., ix, 276.
(M.
1810)
