ALS as president-elect, signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 5 x 8, Mentor, Ohio letterhead, February 18, 1881. Letter to Massachusetts Congressman William Crapo, marked at the top, “Confidential.” In full: “I have yours of the 16th inst. enclosing memorial of the Mass. delegation in reference to Mr. Davis, who I esteem very highly. In the strictest confidence, will you write to me immediately, how he stands with his own delegation in the connection, to which your letter refers. By doing this, you will specially oblige me. I know there is some opposition, but do not know its extent.” Accompanied by a letter from Crapo to Mrs. Horace Davis, whose husband was the son of Massachusetts Governor John Davis and a US Representative from California, forwarding Garfield’s letter to her. Crapo’s letter reads, in part: “I remember telling you that your husband was seriously considered for the Cabinet by President Garfield and that I had letters sustaining this statement which might be of interest to you…A few days ago I came upon the one which I enclose. You are entitled to its possession. There was further correspondence on this subject between Garfield and myself, for I was very much in earnest in promoting the appointment. It was a shame that self-seeking and small minded men from California interfered to the great detriment of the national service.” Crapo’s letter is accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with an ink blot over greeting. Despite Davis’s full efforts in support of Garfield in his state, California’s electoral votes went to Winfield Scott Hancock in the hotly contested 1880 presidential election; when he took office, Garfield's consideration of Davis for a cabinet post was quickly shut down, stymied by his Democratic adversaries. Research shows no later Garfield ALS prior to his inauguration ever offered at auction, and with the scarcity of any autograph material from Garfield’s presidency, this letter is perhaps the closest substitute. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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