Details
GARFIELD, JAMES A., President. Engraved document signed ("James A, Garfield") AS PRESIDENT, countersigned by Secretary of State James G. Blaine, Washington, D.C., 19 May 1881. 1 page, oblong, 270 x 351 mm. (10 1/2 x 13 3/4 in.), ON PARCHMENT, papered seal of the United States at left, engraved calligraphic text headed "President of the United States of America," accomplished in manuscript, attractively matted with a color portrait and in a giltwood frame.
A CABINET-LEVEL APPOINTMENT BY GARFIELD, TWO MONTHS BEFORE HIS ASSASSINATION
"Reposing special trust and confidence in the Integrity and Ability of George B. Loring, of Massachusetts," President Garfield has "nominated, and, by the advice and consent of the Senate," appoints Loring "to be Commissioner of Agriculture," and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that Office according to Law...with all the powers, privileges and emoluments thereunto of right appertaining....In testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made patent and the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed..."
Appointments signed by Garfield remain virtually the only form in which Garfield's signature as President is obtainable today. About four handwritten letters signed as President are believed to be extant. One commentator has, over the years, traced a total of 43 documents signed by Garfield as President in circulation (John M. Taylor, From the White House Inkwell, Santa Monica 1989, p.125). Of the handful of such documents sold at auction since 1960, we can find no other example conferring an appointment as high as cabinet level.
George Bailey Loring (1817-1891), attended Harvard Medical School, was postmaster of Salem, and became active in Massachusetts Democratic politics. He proved a popular orator and in 1864 renounced his allegiance to the Democrats to became a Republican. Elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he served as chairman of the Republican state committee and representative in Congress (1876-80). "When his constituency recalled him...in the election of 1880, President Garfield saved his political fortunes by selecting him in 1881 for commissioner of agriculture....Garfield's choice was excellent..." (DAB).
A CABINET-LEVEL APPOINTMENT BY GARFIELD, TWO MONTHS BEFORE HIS ASSASSINATION
"Reposing special trust and confidence in the Integrity and Ability of George B. Loring, of Massachusetts," President Garfield has "nominated, and, by the advice and consent of the Senate," appoints Loring "to be Commissioner of Agriculture," and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfil the duties of that Office according to Law...with all the powers, privileges and emoluments thereunto of right appertaining....In testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made patent and the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed..."
Appointments signed by Garfield remain virtually the only form in which Garfield's signature as President is obtainable today. About four handwritten letters signed as President are believed to be extant. One commentator has, over the years, traced a total of 43 documents signed by Garfield as President in circulation (John M. Taylor, From the White House Inkwell, Santa Monica 1989, p.125). Of the handful of such documents sold at auction since 1960, we can find no other example conferring an appointment as high as cabinet level.
George Bailey Loring (1817-1891), attended Harvard Medical School, was postmaster of Salem, and became active in Massachusetts Democratic politics. He proved a popular orator and in 1864 renounced his allegiance to the Democrats to became a Republican. Elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he served as chairman of the Republican state committee and representative in Congress (1876-80). "When his constituency recalled him...in the election of 1880, President Garfield saved his political fortunes by selecting him in 1881 for commissioner of agriculture....Garfield's choice was excellent..." (DAB).