Description
Book Synopsis: The first biography of George Washington's extraordinary nephew, who inherited Mount Vernon and was Chief Justice John Marshall's right-hand man on the Supreme Court for nearly thirty years.
George Washington's nephew and heir was a Supreme Court Justice for over thirty years and left an indelible mark on American law. Despite his remarkable life and notable lineage, he is unknown to most Americans because he cared more about establishing the rule of law than about personal glory. In Washington's Heir, Gerard N. Magliocca gives us the first published biography of Bushrod Washington, one of the most underrated Founding Fathers. Born in 1762, Justice Washington fought in the Revolutionary War, served in Virginia's ratifying convention for the Constitution, and was Chief Justice John Marshall's partner in establishing the authority of the Supreme Court. Though he could only see from one eye, Justice Washington wrote many landmark decisions defining the fundamental rights of citizens and the structure of the Constitution, including Corfield v. Coryell—an influential source for the Congress that proposed the Fourteenth Amendment. As George Washington's personal heir, Bushrod inherited both Mount Vernon and the family legacy of owning other people, one of whom was almost certainly his half-brother or nephew. Yet Justice Washington alone among the Founders was criticized by journalists for selling enslaved people and, in turn, issued a public defence of his actions that laid bare the hypocrisy and cruelty of slavery. An in-depth look at Justice Washington's extraordinary story that gives insight into his personal thoughts through his own secret journal, Washington's Heir sheds new light not only on George Washington, John Marshall, and the Constitution, but also on America's ongoing struggle to become a more perfect union.
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Discover the incredible untold story of George Washington's extraordinary nephew in Washington's Heir: The Life of Justice Bushrod Washington. This groundbreaking biography reveals the remarkable life and influence of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping American law. Despite his notable lineage, Bushrod Washington's contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Now is the time to uncover the hidden gem of American history!
From fighting in the Revolutionary War to serving in Virginia's ratifying convention for the Constitution, Justice Washington has left an indelible mark on our nation's legal system. Partnering with Chief Justice John Marshall, he took on the monumental task of solidifying the authority of the Supreme Court for over thirty years. His landmark decisions defining citizens' rights and the constitutional structure have laid the foundation for our legal framework.
Washington's Heir also delves into the complex personal life of Bushrod Washington, providing intimate insights through his secret journal. As George Washington's personal heir, Bushrod inherited both the iconic Mount Vernon and the family legacy of owning enslaved individuals. His actions, including the controversial sale of enslaved people, sparked public outcry. However, Justice Washington bravely defended his choices, shedding light on the hypocrisy and cruelty of slavery.
This compelling biography not only illuminates the lives of George Washington and John Marshall but also provides a deeper understanding of America's ongoing struggle for a more perfect union. In Washington's Heir, Gerard N. Magliocca masterfully highlights the significant contributions and principles that Justice Bushrod Washington brought to our nation's history.
Do not miss out on this engaging and informative read. Explore the life and legacy of Justice Bushrod Washington by clicking here!
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