LS signed “J. A. Garfield,” one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 9.75, Committee on Military Affairs letterhead, January 7, 1869. Letter to Francis J. Lippett. In full: “Yours of the 4th instant with its enclosure to General Chipman came duly to hand. I have forwarded the letter and shall be glad if something can be done to awaken the people to the importance of reforming our system of Military Education. I greatly regret the summary manner in which the House disposed of the Whittlesey Bill; but I believe the time will come when such a measure will become a law.” In very good condition, with some repairs to reverse of intersecting folds, several small tears to bottom edge, a couple passing through portions of signature, and some scattered toning and soiling.
At the close of the Civil War, there was a building interest in reforming and increasing military education to prepare a wider group of men for future conflicts. After the Senate ‘postponed indefinitely’ a bill to provide military instruction in colleges, Secretary of War Stanton appointed retired Army Major J. H. Whittlesey to come up with a suitable system. After extensive research and discussion with West Point and the country’s principal colleges, the Whittlesey Bill was presented and quickly dismissed. Disappointed with the House’s decision, Garfield continued to promote the cause while serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs, writing, ‘I believe the time will come when such a measure will become a law.’ An interesting letter showing the passion and conviction that would carry Garfield to the White House a decade later. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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