LS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, February 6, 1872. Letter to the Hon. John Peter Robison, in part: "I knew with what generous confidence you would respond to me in the troubles which this political storm has brought upon me. I may assure you my dear old friend that you have nothing to be ashamed of in my conduct. But this Credit Mobilier stinks and Ames has tried to bedaub me as well as several other true men. Only mid-summer friends will go back on me for anything I have done. I have been sensitive, deeply hurt indeed, at the involvements connected with the case. But my sensitiveness is only what any man of proper spirit would feel in view of such imputations. It is still a question whether I had better say anything until the storm has passed. But I think, before long, the righteous indignation of the country should be visited upon the head of Mr. Ames and his abettors. Please say to Mr. Cowles what I forgot to mention in my letter to him today, that it is now manifest that Ben Butler and the democrats are trying to force upon us an extra session, so as to continue the excitement and work as much injury as possible to all concerned." Includes its original mailing envelope, franked in the upper right by Garfield, "J. A. Garfield, MC." In fine condition, with a few very light stains; the free-franked envelope is creased, soiled, and torn at the top from opening (not affecting the signature).
In 1867, during the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, Congressman Oakes Ames had distributed cash bribes and discounted shares of Credit Mobilier stock to other congressmen in exchange for votes and actions favorable to the Union Pacific Railroad. When this corruption was revealed to the public in 1872, the so-called 'Credit Mobilier Scandal' became the greatest "political storm" of the Gilded Age. Garfield was among the politicians implicated in accepting stock, casting a blemish on his good name. Although he was never exactly exonerated from the claims, and Democrats attacked him with talk of the scandal during his run for president in 1880, the Credit Mobilier crisis ultimately had little effect on Garfield's political career.
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