ALS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 10.25, July 9, 1866. Letter to C. A. B. Pratt. In full: “Yours of the 4th next is received. I have sent you by today’s mail the pamphlet on wool to which you refer. We have secured the favorable action of the House on wool as recommended by the National Wool Growers' Association and I hope the Senate will also concur. Mr. Hutchins and his friends are busy misrepresenting me and scattering secret circulars through the district to injure me. All I ask is a fair expression of the sentiments of the people of the district. Unless such a fair expression chooses me I don’t want the office. I must stay here at my post and must rely upon my friends to see that no unfair advantage is taken on my absence. From what I hear I should suppose that a large majority of the district are in my favor, but there is no knowing how much may be done by wise working in the township primary meetings. I hope you will ask my friends in Orwell to see to the matter there.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, small tape repair to central horizontal fold, light soiling to lower portion of second page, and scattered creases. Accompanied by an unsigned engraving.
During his campaign for reelection to the House in 1866, Garfield faced harsh criticism from moderate Republicans unhappy with his support of the Radical reconstruction program, including new tariffs and controversial draft legislation. John Hutchins, who had lost his congressional seat to Garfield four years prior, seemingly spearheaded the campaign against him, “misrepresenting” and “scattering secret circulars through the district” while Garfield was out of the area and unable to defend himself. Although he won his district by nearly a three to one ratio, he took the criticism quite hard and returned to Washington in glum spirits. A rare glimpse of the frustrated future president, tempted to walk away from the congressional seat that he would go on to hold for nearly twenty years. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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