ALS signed “Grover Cleveland, late She[ri]ff of Erie Co.,” one page, 8 x 10.5, on letterhead of the Office of Bass, Cleveland & Bissell, March 5, 1874. Letter to attorney A. D. Scott. In full: “Enclosed please find draft to your order for $264.95 in full of the amount due to the plaintiff in the execution of Elliott against Williams. Please acknowledge the receipt of same & oblige.” Intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered moderate toning and soiling, a couple small areas of paper loss at fold junctions and fold edges, and some light pooling of ink to Cleveland’s title, otherwise very good condition.
This letter reflects Cleveland’s pride in having been sheriff of Erie County, New York—a position he held from 1871 to 1873. Even upon leaving office, he made certain that he added “late Sheff of Erie Co.” to his correspondence, as shown here. He eventually formed a law partnership with two of his friends, Lyman K. Bass and Wilson S. Bissell—the other two men identified on this stationery. The firm was dissolved in 1882 after Cleveland became mayor of Buffalo, New York. In 1893, President Cleveland remembered his old partner, naming Bissell his postmaster general. This is a unique addendum to Cleveland’s signature from a sometimes forgotten role in his life. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
