Details
GARFIELD, James A. (1831-1881), President. Autograph letter signed twice ("J.A. Garfield" and "J.A.G.") to Wall J. Ford, Columbus, Ohio, 25 August 1861. 2 pages, 4to (9 13/16 x 7½ in.), State of Ohio Executive Department stationery, envelope, fine.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL GARFIELD PREPARES FOR WAR
An early Garfield letter in which the recently appointed Lieutenant Colonel prepares to enter the Civil War at the head of the regiment that he helped raise. Garfield was serving as a state senator in Ohio at the time of secession. The Senator played an integral part in the formation of the 42nd Ohio Infantry, and as a reward for his efforts, was given command of the regiment. The placement of politicians in army commands was common: "The appointment of political generals, like the election of company officers, was an essential part of the process by which a highly politicized society mobilized for war" (McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, p. 329).
Here, an anxious Garfield writes to Ford only four days after receiving his commission: "I hope you will go there [Hiram] as soon as possible--put the stallion under training--and get him in as good a state of discipline as possible. I must have $100 dollars as soon as you can raise it. I hope you can get it without loaning. I have enough due me and my debtors ought at a time like this to make an effort to raise it for me. Everything in the way of military equipment is very dear. A sword-belt and sash such as I want will cost $50.00. My regiment will not be ready for mustering in its first companies for two weeks, but I am [in the] mean time very busy in preparing myself for duty. I think I shall not want the horse sent here for a week or two...I am greatly please[d] with what you and Mr. Tuttle say concerning him. John Clapp writes me he has a stallion and a gelding, the latter $100 which I can have. Perhaps I had better have two so as not to wear one out too soon...P.S. How goes the school and what do the people say?"
In December, Garfield was promoted to Colonel and by January 1862 he was given command of a brigade and the rank of brigadier general. He fought at Shiloh and served as General William Rosecrans's Chief of Staff. He was promoted to Major General shortly before his election to the United States House of Representatives in the Fall of 1862.
Early autograph letters of James Garfield are uncommon. According to records, no earlier letters have been offered for sale at auction in more than a decade.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL GARFIELD PREPARES FOR WAR
An early Garfield letter in which the recently appointed Lieutenant Colonel prepares to enter the Civil War at the head of the regiment that he helped raise. Garfield was serving as a state senator in Ohio at the time of secession. The Senator played an integral part in the formation of the 42nd Ohio Infantry, and as a reward for his efforts, was given command of the regiment. The placement of politicians in army commands was common: "The appointment of political generals, like the election of company officers, was an essential part of the process by which a highly politicized society mobilized for war" (McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, p. 329).
Here, an anxious Garfield writes to Ford only four days after receiving his commission: "I hope you will go there [Hiram] as soon as possible--put the stallion under training--and get him in as good a state of discipline as possible. I must have $100 dollars as soon as you can raise it. I hope you can get it without loaning. I have enough due me and my debtors ought at a time like this to make an effort to raise it for me. Everything in the way of military equipment is very dear. A sword-belt and sash such as I want will cost $50.00. My regiment will not be ready for mustering in its first companies for two weeks, but I am [in the] mean time very busy in preparing myself for duty. I think I shall not want the horse sent here for a week or two...I am greatly please[d] with what you and Mr. Tuttle say concerning him. John Clapp writes me he has a stallion and a gelding, the latter $100 which I can have. Perhaps I had better have two so as not to wear one out too soon...P.S. How goes the school and what do the people say?"
In December, Garfield was promoted to Colonel and by January 1862 he was given command of a brigade and the rank of brigadier general. He fought at Shiloh and served as General William Rosecrans's Chief of Staff. He was promoted to Major General shortly before his election to the United States House of Representatives in the Fall of 1862.
Early autograph letters of James Garfield are uncommon. According to records, no earlier letters have been offered for sale at auction in more than a decade.