Details
HARRISON, BENJAMIN, President. Autograph letter signed ("Benj Harrison") as President, to his brother John Scott Harrison, Jr., Washington, D.C., 17 January 1893. 1 page, 8vo, integral blank, on black-bordered Executive Mansion mourning stationery, in good condition. A 'LAME DUCK' PRESIDENT IN MOURNING FOR THE FIRST LADY. A distracted letter to his younger brother: "Some letters arriving here for you had led me to expect you but I was greatly surprised to learn that you were sick in Phila[delphia]. Mary's account of you makes me a little uneasy lest you may [be] seriously sick. I hope you will keep me advised and I will go over if you need me. We are a good deal broken up in our housekeeping -- one part of our house is shut off from the rest -- but very thankful that Marthena is well again & that the other children have thus far escaped [the measles]. Give my love to Mary -- we will be glad to see you..."
President Harrison was still in mourning for his wife, Caroline Scott Harrison, who had died of tuberculosis on 25 October 1892, just two weeks before election day. The Republican Harrison lost the election to Democrat Grover Cleveland, who had occupied the White House for one term before him.
President Harrison was still in mourning for his wife, Caroline Scott Harrison, who had died of tuberculosis on 25 October 1892, just two weeks before election day. The Republican Harrison lost the election to Democrat Grover Cleveland, who had occupied the White House for one term before him.