DS as president, signed “Benj. Harrison,” one page, 21.5 x 17.5, February 10, 1890. President Harrison appoints Daniel M. Ransdell to the position of “Marshal of the United States in and for the District of Columbia.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Harrison and countersigned by Attorney General, William Miller. In very good condition, with moderate storage folds, scattered light toning and Harrison’s signature a shade or two light. Ransdell enlisted as a non-commissioned officer in the Seventieth Indiana Regiment, commanded by Colonel Benjamin Harrison. On May 15, 1864, while advancing with Union troops on Atlanta, Georgia, he suffered the loss of his right arm in an engagement that produced more than ten thousand Union and Confederate casualties. After the war, Ransdell enrolled in a commercial college and taught school for a year. He then entered the political arena, as a protege of Benjamin Harrison. Ransdell’s influence in state and regional Republican politics helped solidify support for Harrison to receive the 1888 Republican presidential nomination. By carefully getting delegates from other states to commit to Harrison as their second choice, he helped engineer his old leader’s selection. In 1899, Benjamin Harrison was the only living former Republican President. His recommendation of Ransdell to be sergeant at arms, combined with Ransdell’s pleasing personality and rich fund of political knowledge, caused the Republican Caucus to elect him on January 29, 1900, with only token opposition. Ransdell would serve in that capacity until 1912. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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