LS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one lightly-lined page, 5 x 8, House of Representatives letterhead, no date. Garfield, as an Ohio congressman, writes an unidentified recipient. In full: “My past efforts on behalf of the harbor will assure you how earnestly I wish to do all I can to aid it now. It is almost impossible however to get any appropriations increased above the amount recommended by the chief of Engineers. Indeed it is very difficult to get such as is recommended, but I will do what I can.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds (vertical fold is moderately heavy).
The “chief of Engineers” is a reference to the commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the military command charged with public engineering, design, and construction management, as well as defining policy. As noted by Garfield, the chief engineer would have had significant input into funding for any harbor work. During his years in Congress, Garfield became an expert on financial matters by his involvement in several key committees, including serving as chairman of the Banking and Currency Committee, the Appropriations Committee, and the Military Affairs Committee, as well as being a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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