LS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 7.5 x 9.5, House of Representatives letterhead, March 27, 1877. Letter to S. P Wolcott of Kent, Ohio. In full: “Yours of the 13th inst. was found awaiting me on my return from Ohio three days ago. You have my thanks for the kind things you say of me. I did not feel as though I ought to have been asked to make the sacrifice in regard to the Senatorship, but when the request was made I did not think it would be generous in me to refuse. I hope the people of Ohio appreciate the motives that led me to the sacrifice. It is perfectly clear that I could have been nominated. I should be glad to assist you in the manner you suggest, but I find that the President is going to make very few changes in the Consular Service and intends to appoint only a few of his personal friends, which will probably absorb all the possibilities for Ohio. If I find any chance to serve you, I shall be glad to do it.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature, light separations to folds at the edges repaired with tape to the reverse in four small areas, and scattered soiling.
Garfield writes to lawyer and Ohio state senator Simon Perkins Wolcott, a lifelong friend and fellow student at Hiram College. Rutherford B. Hayes had been sworn into office just days before, and had appointed Ohio senator John Sherman to the position of Secretary of the Treasury. An effort was made to elect Garfield to Sherman’s seat in the senate, but Hayes nixed the plan, finding Garfield more useful in his position as Republican minority leader in the House of Representatives. In this candid letter, the future president reveals his indignation at the political maneuver, expressing his dissatisfaction with his “sacrifice in regard to the Senatorship.” He would eventually win his senate seat in 1880. An exceptional letter from the 20th president of the United States providing insight into contemporary behind-the-scenes politics. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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