Description:

James A. Garfield
[Washington, D.C.], January 19, 1871
James A. Garfield PSA FF Envelope Addressed to His Former Pupil & Future Biographer
Free Frank
A free franked envelope signed by James A. Garfield (1831-1881), future 20th U.S. President, and then in his role as Ohio Congressman, as "J.A. Garfield, M.C." [Member of Congress] in the postage section at upper right. Postmarked from Washington, D.C. on January 19, 1871; the "Congress Free" postmark contains the month and day, while the full date "Jan 19 1871" has been penned in the hand of the recipient verso. Garfield has also engrossed the envelope with the name and address of the recipient as "Prest. B.A. Hinsdale / Hiram / Portage Co / Ohio" at center. Expected weathering and neatly letter-opened at left. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified. The actual size of the free franked envelope is 5.5" x 3.125" while the slab measures 7.125" x 2.5."

This free franked envelope dates from Garfield's tenure as a U.S. Congressman from Ohio. Between 1863 and 1880, Garfield wrestled with issues like emancipation, Reconstruction, the gold standard, Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial, federal corruption, and congressional salaries.
Before entering politics, Garfield had been a teacher and principal of Hiram College, where Burke Aaron Hinsdale (1837-1900) had been one of Garfield's former pupils. Hinsdale later taught English, philosophy, and political science at the same college. Lucretia Garfield requested that Hinsdale edit the assassinated president's writings; "The Works of James Abram Garfield" were published in 1882, in the year following Garfield's assassination.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: slab: 7.125" x 4.25"
  • Medium: Free Frank

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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