Exceedingly rare LS as president signed “J. A. Garfield,” two pages, 5.5 x 9, Executive Mansion letterhead, April 29, 1881. Letter to W. A. M. Grier of Pennsylvania, in part: “I regret that you have concluded to decline the position of Third Assistant Postmaster General. I was greatly desirous of having you in the public service, and shall be very glad if I find it possible in any other way to do so. Thanking you for your kind letter and regretting the embarrassments which the event has caused us both.” Mounted and matted. In fine condition, with scattered light soiling, and small archival mounting remnants to back top edges. Accompanied by a large engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature.
Grier, a delegate to the 1880 Republican National Convention, had been a pivotal figure in Garfield’s nomination. On the second ballot, Grier became the first to vote for him and remained steadfast throughout the balloting process, often as the lone Garfield voter. Garfield was hardly considered as a potential presidential candidate prior to the convention, and it was not until the 34th ballot that he drew a meaningful percentage. Soon after, however, he was settled upon as the Republican candidate. Once Garfield was in the White House, Grier asked to be named second assistant postmaster general. After initially promising him the job, Garfield withdrew the offer and granted him the lesser role, which the jilted Grier declined. Letters by Garfield as president are extremely rare and the significant association between this example and his unlikely presidential nomination is truly exceptional. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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