HARRISON
TO HIS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW:
"MONEY IS NOT THE BEST THING – LOVE AND CONTENT ARE VERY
MUCH BETTER....
I HAVE OFTEN THOUGHT OF YOU AND RUSSELL, WITH THE PRAYER
THAT YOU MIGHT BOTH BE BROUGHT TO GIVE YOUR HEARTS TO CHRIST"
BENJAMIN HARRISON. Autograph Letter Signed
to his daughter-in-law, Indianapolis, IN, 5 January 1888. 2 pages, 5½"
x 8½", on his law firm stationery.
A scarce and revealing family letter from Benjamin Harrison, the Indiana
lawyer and politician, written at the start of the year in which he
would win election to the Presidency.
Addressing
his daughter-in-law, Harrison displays his warmth and concern, remarking,
"Your very pretty & very acceptable present should have
been acknowledged sooner, but I believe Mrs. Harrison did...acknowledge
the receipt of the box.... I am sorry your Indiana parents [i.e., Harrison
and his wife] are not millionaires - if they were you should have 'rings
on your fingers and bells on your toes' – besides other more useful
things. But after all money is not the best thing – love and content
are very much better," he counsels.
"We
do so much want to see you here, and in the spring will take no denial,"
Harrison continues. "In the meantime take good care of
yourself & dont let anything worry you. Remember me to yr. father
& mother, & to Russell give my love. We have been having some
very interesting prayer meetings in our church and I have often thought
of you and Russell, with the prayer that you might both be brought to
give your hearts to Christ." He closes, "With very
much love Your Father Benj Harrison."
The letter is in very good condition. $1750.00
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