Hardcover leatherbound autograph album, 7.5 x 9.25, signed inside, as president, “Chester A. Arthur, April 12, 1884,” and also signed by seven members of his cabinet: “Fredck. T. Frelinghuysen" (Secretary of State), "W. Q. Grisham" and "Chas. J. Folger" (Secretaries of the Treasury), "Benjamin Harris Brewster" (Attorney General), "Robert T. Lincoln" (Secretary of War), "Wm. E. Chandler" (Secretary of the Navy), and "H. M. Teller" (Secretary of the Interior). Album is additionally signed by more than 340 members of the 48th US Congress (almost all back-to-back), including future president William McKinley, and former Union general William Rosecrans. Accompanied by a 4.5 x 3.5 card presenting the album to California Governor James Herbert Budd, with a small sprig of flowers affixed to the card with a small blue ribbon. Some scattered light toning and soiling to pages, reinforcement to hinges, and moderate wear to covers, otherwise fine condition. Budd served a single term in Congress from 1883-1885, and ten years later was elected governor of California after a bitter campaign, edging out Morris Estee by only 1200 votes. An impressive collection of signatures obtained near the end of Arthur’s term, containing most of his cabinet at the time, as well as a majority of senators and representatives, including a future president. Previously sold by Sotheby’s, June 2014.
