TLS signed “W. McKinley,” one page, 5.5 x 8.5, personal letterhead, April 27, 1896. Letter to ex-Assistant Attorney General James Tyner. In full, “I note carefully what you say in yours of the 25th inst. and am very much obliged for your friendly interest. I think all will yet be well among my friends in Indiana, however they may differ as to certain phases of the canvass.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in another hand to Tyner. Archivally shadow box framed with a gold-inlaid, sterling silver portrait plate issued in a limited edition by the Franklin Mint in the early-to-mid 1970s and the envelope, to an overall size of 18 x 33.5. When Rutherford B. Hayes was inaugurated as President in 1877, he appointed his own postmaster general but retained Tyner in the department as first assistant. Perhaps because of this demotion, Tyner contributed to massive corruption within the department. Tyner’s practices soon became known; he was criticized in the press and was forced to resign his position. The scandal, however, did not end his political career. President Benjamin Harrison named Tyner assistant attorney general inside the Post Office Department, a position he retained throughout several other administrations. An investigation of the Post Office department ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 revealed that Tyner again had engaged in corruption. Tyner took steps to hide his involvement -- he sent his wife and sister-in-law to his office to destroy evidence -- and though he was indicted, he was eventually acquitted due to lack of hard evidence. James Noble Tyner was forced to resign in 1902 and died in 1904. In very good condition, with expected folds, a mild shade of toning and several pencil notations to envelope. McKinley’s signature remains as bold as the day he signed the letter. R&R COA. Oversized.
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