Lot 131
Garfield, James A. Letter bears occasional stains and ink spots, is lightly age-toned, and has tape stains from verso at each corner, not affecting text. 20th President of the United States, 1881.
Autograph Letter Signed as Congressman. One page, Quarto, "Hiram, Portage Co. O[hio]," July 11, 1864. To Captain John G. Martin.
In September, 1863, Garfield, a brigadier general and chief of staff to Major General Rosecrans, distinguished himself at the Battle of Chickamauga when, even though his horse was shot from under him, he delivered a message that saved the Army of the Cumberland from disaster. He was instantly given a battlefield promotion for his bravery, and in December of that same year, yielding to an urgent request by President Lincoln, resigned his commission and took his seat in the House of Representatives, to which he had been unsolicitedly elected while on active duty. Written seven months after Garfield entered Congress, the letter reads:
"Dear Sir Yours of the 20th June came to hand just as the session was closing. I forwarded the paper given me by Dr. Phelps and recommended your appointment - but I have not heard whether it has been made or not. A very large list was confirmed by the Senate just before the Session Ended - & I hope it may be found that your name was on it - but I do not know. Yours Very Truly, J.A. Garfield."
Lincoln wanted Garfield in Congress because of his up-to-date knowledge of military affairs, and his ardent support of Lincoln's military quotas and the draft. This letter finds Garfield expediting those appointments President Lincoln depended on to engineer the Civil War.
Estimated Value $1,200-UP.
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| Realized $1,035 |
