Lot 250
Garfield, James A. and Lucretia R (1831-1881) 20th President of the United States (1881). Autograph Letter Signed "J.A. Garfield" as President-elect, 1½ pp following his wife's letter (beginning midway on p. 2 and ending on p. 3, which is the verso of p. 1), 7"x4½", Mentor, Ohio, 1880 Nov. 8. Fine; small tape remnants at right edge of page 2 affect nothing. Written to "Dear Bro. Evrett," who was probably a fellow member of the Disciples of Christ (members called each other "Brother" and "Sister"), offering condolences on the death of a child. In the midst of his sorrow, Evrett had offered congratulations on Garfield's election. Garfield, who had lost a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old baby son, writes: "I wonder that you could have any place, even in your great heart, for remembering my success, when so great a sorrow was overwhelming you. With all my heart, I mourn over your loss and wonder how I could live if it were one of my absent boys who had fallen into the silence of death….As Ever Your Brother J.A. Garfield." Of seven Garfield children, four boys and one girl lived to maturity. Mrs. Garfield wrote 1½ pages offering "our tenderest sympathy" and stating that "The General will write to you…" The consignor has owned this letter since 1977.
Estimated Value $700 - 900.
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| Realized $776 |
