Samuel Gompers was the Founder of the American Federation of Labor who served as that organization's president from 1886 to 1894 and from 1895 until his death in 1924; John Mitchell was the president of the United Mine Workers of America from 1898–1908. Two TLSs: TLS, signed “Samuel Gompers,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, American Federation of Labor letterhead, dated January 19, 1918. In a letter to Benjamin Schlesinger, President of the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union, Gompers responds to a request for employment, in part: “Your communication relative to securing a position for Elias Lieberman, chief clerk of Waist Makers’ Union, Local 25, of New York, was received…It occurs to me that probably the best method of securing a position with the Government would be by making application through the president of the Civil Service, Mr. J. A. McIlhenny…You will understand that the securing of government positions for individuals would impose immense duties upon the Federation as well as destroy our influence in our efforts to secure legislation. But inaany [sic] event, you may rest assured that I shall be very glad to be helpful in any way I can….”; and one TLS, signed “John Mitchell,” one page, 8.5 x 11, United Mine Workers of America letterhead, dated August 2, 1906. Letter from Mitchell, thanking an admirer for an autograph request, with the original mailing envelope affixed to the lower portion of the letter. Intersecting folds to both, two mildly affecting Mitchell’s signature and one affecting Gompers’, light toning to the Gompers letter, and light wrinkling, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
