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James Garfield Autograph Letter Signed...
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Sold on Jun 19, 2026 for:
$1,125.00
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Description
James A. Garfield, Recovering from an Injury, Fears Missing the 1865 Campaign: "I chafe under this unfortunate imprisonment, for I long to be in the fight with you"
James Garfield Autograph Letter Signed ("J. A.
Garfield"). Two pages of a bifolium, 5 x 8 inches; Hiram,
[Ohio]; September 22, 1865.Garfield writes to his fellow Congressman from Ohio, Robert C. Schenck, regarding an injury that may keep him in participating in a forthcoming campaign, mentioning planned appointments with Marcus Junius Parrott (Ohio Congressman, March 1857-January 1861) and, possibly, George Washington Williams, a prominent historian of the Civil War who would later be the first African American elected to the House of Representatives in Ohio. Garfield pens, in full:
"My Dear Schenck -
I am still a cripple in an arm chair. I have withdrawn all my appointments up to Oct. & really fear I am hors du combat for the campaign. I have written to Williams and to Parrott that if it is at all possible I will be at Dayton on the 5th, but that they had better have some one appointed there with me - My Doctor is quite dubious about my being able to stand on my foot by that time without injury to it which may be permanent. I chafe under this unfortunate imprisonment, for I long to be in the fight with you & for you. How gos it?
Let me hear - In haste
Ever yours J. A. Garfield."
In the final year of the Civil War, Garfield, who had resigned from military duty in 1863, was closely tied to his community in Hiram, Ohio, and corresponded frequently with his fellow Ohioan and political ally, Schenck, regarding military affairs, elections influences, educational reform and local matters, including planned reconstruction efforts.
Condition: Overall fine. Flattened folds and a small smudge to the ink on the bottom line of page one. Faint blindstamp to upper left corner.
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2026
19th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 8
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 131
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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