Lot 1529
Garfield, James A (1831-1881) 20th president of the U.S. (March-Sept., 1881). He served in the Union army until 1863, when he became a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and followed his party's Radical Reconstruction program. Elected president in 1880, he declared war on the leading faction of his party by appointing James G. Blaine secretary of state (passing over the "Stalwarts" of the influential Roscoe Conkling); won a victory with his appointment for port collector of New York; and began prosecution of frauds in the U.S. postal service. On July 2, 1881, he was shot by a disappointed office seeker, Charles J. Guiteau. Garfield died September 19 and was succeeded by Vice President Chester A. Arthur.
Autograph Note Signed ("J.A. Garfield"). One page, octavo, Mentor, ohio, July 17, 1880. To Miss Annie Bridgman of Northampton, Massachusetts. Transmittal folds; two minor ink smears; erased pencil comments at top and bottom of page are still slightly visible. Matted and framed with two handsome portraits to 27 x 14". Very good condition.
By July of 1880, Garfield had secured his party's nomination and was officially running for office. Following the advice of President Hayes and others, Garfield ran a low-profile campaign, just managing to defeat Winfield S. Hancock by a mere 10,000 votes.
Estimated Value $600 - 700.
Please note the extensive collection of Presidential biographies in our Political Memorabilia section.
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| Realized $529 |
