![ARTHUR, Chester A. (1830-1886). President. Letter signed ("Chester A. Arthur") as President, to Joseph Stanley-Brown, Washington, D.C., 20 January 1882. 2 pages, 4to (9 11/16 x 7 1/8 in.), integral blank, Executive Mansion stationery with mourning border, a few small holes at center fold where previously bound into a volume, otherwise fine. [With:] an autograph copy of Brown's letter to Arthur on page four dated 15 November 1881 and autograph note on page one of Arthur's letter dated 27 January 1882.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2002/NYR/2002_NYR_01032_0123_000(041915).jpg?w=1)
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ARTHUR, Chester A. (1830-1886). President. Letter signed ("Chester A. Arthur") as President, to Joseph Stanley-Brown, Washington, D.C., 20 January 1882. 2 pages, 4to (9 11/16 x 7 1/8 in.), integral blank, Executive Mansion stationery with mourning border, a few small holes at center fold where previously bound into a volume, otherwise fine. [With:] an autograph copy of Brown's letter to Arthur on page four dated 15 November 1881 and autograph note on page one of Arthur's letter dated 27 January 1882.
PRESIDENT GARFIELD'S PRIVATE SECRETARY DECLINES ARTHUR'S REQUEST TO REMAIN IN OFFICE
Joseph Stanley-Brown (1858-1941), President Garfield's secretary from 1878 until his death in September 1881, drafted his letter of resignation to Arthur in November 1881. "...in view of a previous request from Mrs. Garfield to carefully examine and to properly arrange the voluminous mass of papers, manuscripts, etc., left by the late President together with certain business prospects which in justice to my future welfare...I feel that I must decline your generous offer. The reluctance with which I sever relations which have been characterized throughout by the most thoughtful consideration on your part is lessened only by the peculiar nature of the task which in large measure makes this step necessary..." Stanley-Brown's note at the top of the first page of Arthur's response reveals that he did not hand his "letter of declination" to Arthur until January 1882, "although I had informed him by conversation that I could not retain a position which by the death of my great master was full of bitterness and horror to me."
Arthur explains his delay: "I have deferred action on your letter of resignation in the hope that you would reconsider your declination to remain in the office of Private Secretary. I am aware of the high regard which you were held by my predecessor, his friendship for and confidence in you, & of the marked ability with which you discharged the responsibilities and delicate duties of your position. I recognize also the gratitude you have displayed and your devotion to his memory by your prompt acceptance of the trust to properly arrange and classify his literary effects. In accepting your resignation I desire to assure you of my friendly regard and of my interest in your future success and happiness."
Chester A. Arthur's first elected office was as President James A. Garfield's Vice President. Garfield's brief presidency lasted from his inauguration in March 1881 until his death that September. Garfield had been shot in July. After his resignation, Joseph Stanley-Brown remained loyal to the Garfield family, marrying the president's daughter Mary in June 1888. One of Stanley-Brown's later "business prospects" involved the Pribilof Islands seal industry under the direction of the United States Treasury.
Provenance: Claremont McKenna College collection donated by Roy P. Crocker (sale, Sotheby's, 31 October 1984, lot 53).
PRESIDENT GARFIELD'S PRIVATE SECRETARY DECLINES ARTHUR'S REQUEST TO REMAIN IN OFFICE
Joseph Stanley-Brown (1858-1941), President Garfield's secretary from 1878 until his death in September 1881, drafted his letter of resignation to Arthur in November 1881. "...in view of a previous request from Mrs. Garfield to carefully examine and to properly arrange the voluminous mass of papers, manuscripts, etc., left by the late President together with certain business prospects which in justice to my future welfare...I feel that I must decline your generous offer. The reluctance with which I sever relations which have been characterized throughout by the most thoughtful consideration on your part is lessened only by the peculiar nature of the task which in large measure makes this step necessary..." Stanley-Brown's note at the top of the first page of Arthur's response reveals that he did not hand his "letter of declination" to Arthur until January 1882, "although I had informed him by conversation that I could not retain a position which by the death of my great master was full of bitterness and horror to me."
Arthur explains his delay: "I have deferred action on your letter of resignation in the hope that you would reconsider your declination to remain in the office of Private Secretary. I am aware of the high regard which you were held by my predecessor, his friendship for and confidence in you, & of the marked ability with which you discharged the responsibilities and delicate duties of your position. I recognize also the gratitude you have displayed and your devotion to his memory by your prompt acceptance of the trust to properly arrange and classify his literary effects. In accepting your resignation I desire to assure you of my friendly regard and of my interest in your future success and happiness."
Chester A. Arthur's first elected office was as President James A. Garfield's Vice President. Garfield's brief presidency lasted from his inauguration in March 1881 until his death that September. Garfield had been shot in July. After his resignation, Joseph Stanley-Brown remained loyal to the Garfield family, marrying the president's daughter Mary in June 1888. One of Stanley-Brown's later "business prospects" involved the Pribilof Islands seal industry under the direction of the United States Treasury.
Provenance: Claremont McKenna College collection donated by Roy P. Crocker (sale, Sotheby's, 31 October 1984, lot 53).