ALS signed “Caroline L. Harrison,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 6, Executive Mansion letterhead, no date. Letter to Mrs. Russell Harrison. In part: “I asked her to convey the message that is for you not to wait for Russell but take Charley & come in. Little Mary was so improved from her stay here, that I feel sure Marthena would be benefitted. Mary was quite sick when I brought her here & had fallen off a good deal but she is fast regaining her flesh & color. There is no telling when Russ will be back. I see they met a cloud burst in Texas—He is having great experiences with flood & fire in his trip through Texas—His Father had a letter from him a few days ago & he seems to have had a good business success—he says the advertisements amount to forty thousand & will probably be more before he gets away…We always have a sea breeze & have never been uncomfortable in the house. The Cottage is right on the coast in front of the light house, so the air is direct from the sea…Our plans are to stay here until the middle or late in August & then go…where a cottage is at our disposal it is not large but it will be sufficient—I will not attempt to keep house there but have our meals sent from the hotel. I am anxious for you to come soon so as to get as long a stay as possible here at the sea.” Harrison adds a postscript, writing across her text on the first page of the letter advising against packing good clothes due to the salt air and dampness, closing with, “We are having a very quiet time & do not much dress—as we are more retired than we have ever been. C.L.H.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, two small stains to second page, and a couple lines on the opening page difficult to read due to postscript coming in at a right angle. Accompanied by the original Executive Mansion mailing envelope, addressed in Harrison’s hand, bearing a July 9, 1890 postmark.
This letter, sent to her daughter-in-law, is in keeping with Harrison’s caring and generous nature, as the president and his wife took as many family members as possible to Washington, including her daughter, grandchildren, and assorted other relatives. This New Jersey locale from which Harrison writes also hosted its fair share of guests and garnered a great deal of attention following its acquisition, especially among political opponents and the press. During his first year in office, Benjamin Harrison’s postmaster general appointee, John Wanamaker, gave Caroline Harrison a 20-room house in Cape May, New Jersey, the “cottage” mentioned here. The media had a field day with the gift, who saw it as a bribe, while Harrison countered that he had intended to purchase the property all along and ultimately was forced to send a check. In the winter of 1891, Harrison developed tuberculosis, dying in the White House on October 25, 1892. Pleasing content linked to a 19th century presidential “scandal.” Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
