GARFIELD JAMES A Autograph Letter Signed JAGarfield as Repre

Sale 2483 - Lot 114

Price Realized: $ 531

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Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900

"WE HAVE CARRIED MAINE BY A CLOSE SHAVE" GARFIELD, JAMES A. Autograph Letter Signed, "JAGarfield," as Representative, to Representative David B. Henderson ("My Dear Sir"), reporting that Maine had been won [this was later found to be false], and remarking that all efforts must be directed to the October elections. 1 page, 4to, personal stationery, ruled paper; faint scattered staining, cello tape stains at upper edge verso, docketed verso, horizontal folds. Mentor, 18 September 1880

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". . . Your suggestions are made in the right line.
"It appears that after all we have carried Maine by a close shave but every energy must now be lent to carry the October states. I think our people are more determined than ever."
Confident that the incumbent Republican governor would win the ME gubernatorial election in September 1880, the Garfield presidential campaign was given a shock when, two days after Garfield wrote this letter, ME Secretary of State announced that Greenback-Democrat Harris M. Plaisted had won. The victory assured the campaign that the forthcoming presidential contest against Democrat Winfield S. Hancock would not be easy. Indeed, of all U.S. presidents, Garfield won by the narrowest popular vote margin.