Lot 70
Arthur, Chester A (1829-1886) 21st President of the United States (1881-1885). Letter signed ("Chester A. Arthur") as President, on Executive Mansion stationery, 2 separate pages, 7 x 4½ in., Washington, May 24, 1884. Nine days before the 1884 Republican National Convention opened in Chicago, Arthur writes to Edwards Pierrepont, formerly Ulysses S. Grant's Attorney General, thanking him for endorsing Arthur for renomination at the New York delegation's meeting at Cooper Union: "As to the meeting at the Cooper Union, I cannot refrain from expressing my grateful acknowledgments to you and the other gentlemen who so kindly took part in it. Whatever the future may determine, I shall always remain deeply sensible of this expression of confidence on the part of those whose regard I so highly esteem." Large bold signature. Accompanied by original stamped and postmarked Executive Mansion envelope.
On June 3, 1884, delegates from New York and four other states proposed Arthur's nomination but he fell short of the 411 votes needed and finished second in the balloting with 278 votes. With each ballot, his votes decreased until Sen. James G. Blaine was nominated with 541 votes. Blaine was defeated in the general election by Grover Cleveland.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
Forbes Magazine collection, Christie's New York, May 17, 1996, lot 117.
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| Realized $2,625 |
