ANS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, lightly-lined, 5 x 8, no date. Short note written at the bottom of a February 12, 1878, letter to Garfield from O. K. Harris, on House of Representatives letterhead. Harris asks for proof slips of Garfield’s speech. At the bottom, Garfield writes: “Will the Public Printer please send as requested above after slips are corrected.” In very good condition, with uniform toning, a vertical crease to body, and some scattered light soiling.
Accompanied by Garfield’s unsigned personal copy of Counting the Electoral Vote, Proceedings and Debates of Congress, 6.25 x 9.25. Washington. Government Printing Office: 1877, 807 pages, bearing Garfield’s personal bookplate “Inter Folia Fructus Library of James A. Garfield” affixed inside the front cover. Book rates very good with professionally restored boards and spine, scattered wear to covers, and rubbing to edges and joints. Inside pages are lightly foxed.
Garfield was serving another term in Congress and in the midst of his tenure as the Republican floor leader of the House when he made this request. One wonders whether the accompanying 1877 volume replaced an earlier, potentially well-worn edition, as the Ohio Republican was a member of the Electoral Commission that awarded 20 hotly contested electoral votes to Rutherford B. Hayes in his contest for the presidency against Samuel J. Tilden. An always desirable item from the man who a few years later would be elected the 20th president of the United States. 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
$75.00
*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.
