[ Autograph ] James A. Garfield Good content L.S., lp. 4to., Washington, Nov. 8, 1872 to Gen. Irvin Mcdowell. referring to the death of an army general, likely George G. Meade who had headed the military division of the Atlantic. Garfield discusses potential candidates for the vacant position, in part: note from the President saying that the trip to the West had been abandoned and that the President would attend the funeral I had some conversation with General [William T] Sherman concerning the successorship and urged the propriety and justice of your appointment. he feels right toward you every way. I do not think he feels at all certain of his own position with the Administration in view of the way in which the power has been taken out of his hands by the War Department Sherman told me there would be much pushing and struggling over the appointment Howard wants to be retired and wants the rank of Major General.. ' Garfield's influence must have worked; Mcdowell got the job! Light soiling on second page, otherwise very good.