Wife of Benjamin Harrison and First Lady from 1889 until her death in 1892. Rare ALS, written as First Lady, signed “Caroline L. Harrison,” one page, 4 x 6.25, Executive Mansion letterhead, March 19, 1891. Letter to Mrs. Rathbun. In full: “I have been out all day & could not reply to your note sooner. If you can bring your friends tomorrow evening at five ocl., I shall be very happy to see them. My time will be occupied during the other part of the day.” Accompanied by the original Executive Mansion transmittal envelope, addressed in Harrison’s hand. In fine condition, with a mild shade of overall toning, and a couple small pencil notations to top left.
Caroline Harrison was a busy and influential First Lady. During her time in the White House she purged the mansion of its growing rodent and insect population, laid new floors, installed new plumbing, painted and wallpapered, and added more bathrooms. In 1891 she installed electricity but was so frightened of it that she refused to handle the switches; instead, she left the lights on all night until the engineer came in to turn them off in the morning. She put up the White House’s first Christmas tree, introduced the custom of using orchids as the official floral decoration at state receptions, conducted china-painting classes, served as the first president-general of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and worked for local charities. In the winter of 1891-1892 she began to battle tuberculosis, at first trying to continue to fulfill her social obligations. Her condition worsened and she died in the White House on October 25, 1892, shortly before her husband lost his reelection. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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