James Garfield 1831 - 1881

James GarfieldWashington, DC, February 16, 1866James Garfield Re: Post Civil War Rapid Restoration of the SouthALSJames A. Garfield Autograph Letter Signed "J. A. Garfield." Three pages on a bifolium of Thirty-Ninth Congress, U.S. letterhead; 5.2" x 7.75"; Washington, D.C.; February 16, 1866. A warm letter to longtime friend James Orton sharing news of his appointment as a Regent to the Smithsonian Institute and sending a copy of his address to Congress stating his opposition to a speedy restoration of the Southern States. With smoothed folds, and occasional smears to the ink. Otherwise very clean and with great eye appeal.Garfield writes in part: "I am rejoiced to hear that you have risen to a place of such solid honor and distinguished usefulness in the Church – one which must bring you far more satisfaction than a life in the storm & whirl of war and politics." With this line, Garfield poses a sharp contrast to his own career path. Garfield was commissioned as a colonel in the Union Army in August 1861, and eventually a major general in September 1863. He entered the foray of politics while still in uniform, resigning his military commission in December 1863 to assume his seat in Congress representing Ohio.He continues: "In regard to your scientific tendencies and wishes I am now a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution and will cheerfully do all that I can to secure what books I can for you. It will be difficult to get book numbers, but I will send your list to Prof H[?] and ask him to send you all he can spare. I shall be glad to hear from you at any time. I send you a copy of my speech lately made in the House of Representatives on Restoration of Rebel States [not present]. Please send me any sermons or addresses you may publish."Although Garfield entered Congress as a moderate Republican, his views shifted to align with the Radical Republicans as Andrew Johnson clashed with Congress. By 1866, Garfield sided with the Congressional Republicans against Johnson, supporting the 14th Amendment and insisting that the rebel states must not be readmitted without conditions. And it is these positions that he posed in the speech he sent to Orton.Garfield and Orton also shared intellectual pursuits. Garfield had a strong interest in science and education, and his role as Regent to the Smithsonian allowed him to connect politics with intellectual advancement. Orton, an ordained Congregational minister, later became a professor of natural history at the University of Rochester. He led expeditions in the 1860s and 1870s, and wrote The Andes and the Amazon (1870), which became a widely used textbook on South American geography and natural history.A great letter demonstrating Garfield's many passions and dedication to public service.This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

• Dimensions: 5.2" x 7.75"

• Medium: ALS

James Garfield 1831 - 1881

Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia, PA