Lot 536

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Description:

JAMES A. GARFIELD
(1831 - 1881) Twentieth President of the United States, Union army major general, assassinated while in office. Rare fine political content A.L.S. as President-Elect, 2pp. 8vo., Mentor, Feb. 18, 1881 (just two weeks before he would be sworn-in as President), to three-term Massachusetts U.S. Rep. WILLIAM W. CRAPO (1830-1926). Marked, "Confidential", the letter reads, in part: "...I have yours of the 16th inst. enclosing memorial of the Mass. delegation in reference to Mr. [Horace] Davis who I esteem very highly. In the strictest confidence, will you write me immediately, how he stands with his own delegation in the connection to which your letter refers. By doing this, you will specially oblige me. I know there is some opposition, but do not know its extent...". Very good. Accompanied by an envelope signed at top: "from J. A. Garfield" and addressed: "Only for Hon. W. W. Crapo". Horace Davis (1831-1916) was the son of Mass. Gov. John Davis and a U.S. Representative from California. In the In the hotly-contested 1880 presidential election, California's electoral votes had gone to Winfield Scott Hancock, but through no lack of trying on Davis' part. However, Garfield's consideration of Davis for a cabinet post was futile, stymied by his Democratic adversaries. This is further explained in a letter from Crapo to Davis' wife, 3pp. 8vo., sent from New Bedford to her in 1898. He bitterly notes: "...your husband was seriously considered for the cabinet by President Garfield...I had letters sustaining this fact...I came across the one which I enclose...I was very much in earnest in promoting the appointment. I was a shame that self-seeking and small-minded men from California interfered to the great detriment of the national service...". Also present are two cabinet photographs, one showing Garfield as presidential candidate from the chest, up in an oval image, captioned: "Gen. James A. Garfield. Republican Candidate for President, 1880". Image bears some foxing, small tear at bottom margin, the second a similar view but as President. Four pieces.

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January 31, 2013 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

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