Prominent politician, lawyer, writer, and businessman (1822-1907) who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863. ALS, one page both sides, 5.75 x 9, May 12, 1893. Handwritten letter, commenting on his election as Speaker and the compensation of members of Congress. In part: "I was elected Speaker July 4 1861 the extra session called by Lincoln. There was no caucus nominee by either party. Fourteen persons were voted for, Pendleton of Ohio had more votes than any Democratic. Besides myself the Republicans voted for F. P. Blair who withdrew before the vote was announced and voted for me as did the others who had voted for him…Larger salaries for members of Congress would not secure any better talent: the same is true of any other positions in the government except it may be in Judgeships. The salary is not the inducement which leads the best and brightest order of talent to leave business pursuits for public position. Make the salaries high and the competition for nominations and elections will be correspondingly increased by those who seek the position simply for the pay." In very good to fine condition, with rusty paperclip impressions to the top. Accompanied by an original 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo of Grow, signed on the mount border in ink, "Galusha A. Grow, Speaker 37th Congress"; the signature has extremely poor contrast against the dark mount, and the back of the cabinet card is skinned.
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