American lawyer (1841-1882) who, frustrated in his attempt to secure an ambassadorship, assassinated President James Garfield in 1881. ALS signed “Chas. J. Guiteau,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, personal "Attorney at Law" letterhead, November 22, 1870. Handwritten letter to the "Sheriff of Lake Co.," in part: "Enclosed please find an Execution re. Gruping & Peters. I will send you a Bond and also inform you further…in a day or two. You will of course mark the time you receive it so that it will be a lien upon Peter's property." He adds a lengthy postscript, initialed "C.J.G.," in part: "P.S. I have concluded to send you the Bond made out in this case Oct. 5/70. It is just as good as a new one, and will save the trouble of having another Bond signed…The property we intend levying upon is owned by Charles Peters of Highland Park. You will find a description of it in the Records office." In fine condition.
Guiteau became a law clerk in Chicago in 1868, and passed a cursory examination to attain admission to the bar. He was not successful as a lawyer, arguing only one case in court, and the bulk of his business was in bill collecting—though he often kept the money for himself, while informing his clients that the money was irretrievable. He would move to New York City in 1872, where he became involved in politics in Horace Greeley's campaign. This was the genesis of his diplomatic delusion, believing that he would be appointed as ambassador to Chile should Greeley be elected. An interesting, early letter from his brief Chicago law career.
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