373. CHESTER A. ARTHUR CUSTOM HOUSE LETTERS An interesting group of 11 letters dated between 1873 and 1878, addressed to Chester A. Arthur while he was collector of New York Harbor's Custom House. Included are letters dealing with routine business matters from government officials such as five letters written by Grant's Secretary of State HAMILTON FISH, JR. (1808-1893), and two letters by New York Senator and U. S. Grant supporter ROSCOE CONKLIN (1829-1888), as well as professionals in the private sector hoping that Arthur would pass merchandise through customs unimpeded, or that he would show special favor in appointing individuals to the custom house. Many contain some interesting content of note. President Grant appointed Arthur to his post on Nov. 9, 1871. While Arthur ran the post efficiently, as Roscoe Conkling's crony he developed two major flaws: filling its coveted positions with those owed gratitude for political support, and overstaffing the custom house with more than two hundred extra employees. In 1878, President Hayes ousted Arthur by presidential decree, hoping to put an end to the corruption and dampen Conkling's political influence. Obtained from Arthur's personal letter collection. Usual wear and some chipping, else very good. $200 - 300