[ Autograph ] Chester A. Arthur Manuscript L.S. on New York Customs House letterhead, 3pp. 8vo., May 18, 1874 to Gen. Oliver E. Babcock. Arthur has received Babcock's letter '...containing copy of the President's note suggesting the propriety of transferring Mr. Houghton from the Naval office to one of the other departments of theCustom House Houghton was not in the service of the Government, he having been removed from the Naval office I have deemed it inexpedient, in view of the civil service rules, to order him before the Board to be examined trying to procure a place for him outside the Custom House...' Light soiling with fold splits, moderate wear, aclean tear crossing two letters in Arthur's signature.