Details
HARRISON, Benjamin. Four typed letters signed ("Benj. Harrison"), as former President, to various correspondents, 2 May 1898 to 14 February 1900. Together 4 pages, 4to, all on personal stationery.
Letters that touch on subjects ranging from America's great naval success in the Spanish-American War, to burdensome newspaper or speaking requests, and Harrison's granddaughter. 2 May 1898: "WE ARE ALL ELATED OVER THE GREAT NEWS OF DEWEY'S VICTORY AT MANILA... I have had undaunted faith in our ships and their crews, and I hope we are to escape even those slight and temporary reverses which so many thought possible." -- 22 May 1898: Declines an interview, telling publisher S. S. McClure that "I do not like the interview as a means of communicating with the public, especially when the topic is a grave and broad one..." -- 24 November 1899: He complains to D. Appleton & Co. about the size of the article about him in the Cyclopedia of American Biography, but says "I do not feel like undertaking the task of reducing it." --14 February 1900: Tells D. S. Alexander that he must decline a speaking engagement: "If I could go to one of these dinners and talk without being reported I would more often accept such invitations..." Together 4 items. (4)
Letters that touch on subjects ranging from America's great naval success in the Spanish-American War, to burdensome newspaper or speaking requests, and Harrison's granddaughter. 2 May 1898: "WE ARE ALL ELATED OVER THE GREAT NEWS OF DEWEY'S VICTORY AT MANILA... I have had undaunted faith in our ships and their crews, and I hope we are to escape even those slight and temporary reverses which so many thought possible." -- 22 May 1898: Declines an interview, telling publisher S. S. McClure that "I do not like the interview as a means of communicating with the public, especially when the topic is a grave and broad one..." -- 24 November 1899: He complains to D. Appleton & Co. about the size of the article about him in the Cyclopedia of American Biography, but says "I do not feel like undertaking the task of reducing it." --14 February 1900: Tells D. S. Alexander that he must decline a speaking engagement: "If I could go to one of these dinners and talk without being reported I would more often accept such invitations..." Together 4 items. (4)