JAMES
A. GARFIELD. Autograph Letter Signed to Joshua R. Giddings,
Hiram, OH, 13 October 1858. 1 page, 8" x 5".
A very
early letter from the future President who was only 26 years old at
this date. After graduating from Williams College in 1856, James Garfield
became a professor at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute in Hiram,
Ohio, and in 1857, he was made head of the school. Garfield writes here
to Joshua R. Giddings, a Republican Congressman from Ohio who was a
leader in the antislavery movement, to invite him to speak at the school.
In 1859, Garfield himself would enter politics, winning election to
the Ohio legislature as a Republican.
"I
write this to inquire if we can be favored with a lecture from you before
a Teachers Institute to commence Nov 2nd & continue one week - at
this place," Garfield explains. "We have now a school
of 300 students - and shall be highly delighted to hear you."
He has signed, "Very Respectfully J.A. Garfield,"
adding, "In behalf of the Teachers Institute."
There
is some soiling along a vertical fold line, but the letter is in very
good condition overall. $1000.00
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