American lawyer (1841–1882) who, frustrated in his attempt to secure an ambassadorship, assassinated President James Garfield in 1881. ALS signed “Chas. F. Guiteau,” four pages, 5 x 8, March 30, 1868. Letter to his brother. In part: “Not withstanding l wrote frankly on Saturday giving quite a full account of my plans and circumstances l feel inclined to write again. My present financial embarrassment may be explained thus…l correspond with the O. C. [Oneida Community] in reference to my claim and was lead to hope that it would be settled by the 1st of March. l made my calculations accordingly but a few days since they wrote me they should not recognize the claim. The dullness of my advertising business all winter, and my inability to get into more lucrative employment, combined with my failure to get money I have had to borrow it from the Christian Association, to keep from want…God has been very good to me and I have not lacked food." Guiteau then suggests that he will return to Chicago, "l should be glad to continue my law studies in your office. I had rather study with you than with any one else.” Intersecting folds, slight soiling and paper loss to upper left of hinges, and one hinge almost totally separated, otherwise fine condition. ln 1860, Guiteau joined the Oneida Community in New York, but left in 1865. By August of 1867, he ran out of money and asked his brother-in-law George Scoville, to whom this is written, for help. Guiteau conceived the idea of suing the Oneida Community for compensation that he deserved since he helped spread the word of God. As this letter states, he failed, and they threatened to prosecute. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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