TLS signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, October 22, 1896. Letter to E. A. Drake respectfully declining an invitation to a parade. In full: “I beg to acknowledge the invitation of the Business Men’s Republican and Sound Money Association to review their great parade on Saturday the 31st inst. I have no doubt that it will be a notable occasion, and only wish that the demonstration could be made in some of our western cities where it is more needed. I would be very glad to accept your invitation, but I am assigned for a dozen speeches on that day in Indiana.” In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, several staple holes to top left, light edge toning, and a bit of scattered light soiling and creasing.
Harrison’s single term as president had been over for three years, but he was still an influential figure in the Republican party. The “dozen speeches” in his home state of Indiana were undoubtedly on behalf of William McKinley, the Republican candidate for president. The tense 1896 race between McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan was drawing to a close and every hand was needed.
Mr. Drake, the recipient of the note, would probably have been sympathetic, as the Association he represented was formed that year to assist in McKinley’s election. When Harrison notes that a parade might be desirable in “some of our western cities,” he was undoubtedly referring to Bryan’s lead in the Rocky Mountain states. Of course, Harrison may have had another reason for staying close to home: that year he had married his late wife’s niece, twenty-five years his junior. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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