Description:

Archive of Letters [5] from Grover Cleveland's Two First Ladies

A small archive of letters from two of the most important women in Grover Cleveland's life - his wife and his sister. Both women served as First Lady of the United States, with Rose Cleveland serving at her brother's side until he was married to Frances Folsom. Among the collection, there are four autograph letters signed by Frances Cleveland and one autograph letter signed by Rose Cleveland, along with a signed check by Frances and a White House photograph. The letters and check have flattened folds with very faint soiling. Some wear, soiling, and minor silvering to the photograph of the White House. Overall very fine.

The collection includes:
1. Rose Cleveland Autograph Letter Signed "R.E.C." N.p., ca. August 24, 1886. Cleveland forwards a letter to Mr. Elder of the Elder Publishing Company and berates him about issues in her contract with him. In part: "I have a faint hope that we can go on. Otherwise I feel I must acknowledge it all a failure, because of your failure to act the clear-headed business man'"
2. Frances Cleveland Autograph Letter Signed "Frances F. Cleveland". New York, dated January 19, 1890. Addressed to Mrs. Springer, thanking her for a book of poems entitled "By the Sea."
3. Frances Cleveland Autograph Letter Signed "Frances F. Cleveland Preston". Tamworth, New Hampshire, dated September 4, 1931. Addressed to George B. Warren, sending him some clippings of a Japanese Iris.
4. Frances Cleveland Autograph Letter Signed "Frances F. Cleveland". Washington, D.C., dated December 2, 1896. Addressed to Mrs. Pyne, discussing an imminent move to Princeton following her husband's second term. In part: "The President and I are perfectly delighted that everything has come about in such a way as to make it possible for us to look forward to Princeton as our hom'We hope to have everything arranged so that we may go immediately to 'Westland' when we are through her'"
5. Frances Cleveland Autograph Letter Signed "Frances F. Cleveland". Washington, D.C., dated May 22, 1888. Addressed to Hon. William L. Scott (author of the controversial Scott Act of 1888). In part: "I have meant before now to tell you how much I regretted that the departure of my friends the afternoon that you made your magnificent speech upon the Tariff, prevented my remaining to hear mor'"
6. Frances Cleveland Check Signed "Frances F. Cleveland". New York, dated February 5, 1913. No. 2686, drawn on The Seaboard National Bank, with a payment of $35.00 made to Elin Instrom.

Rose Elizabeth Cleveland (1846-1918) was the younger sister of Grover Cleveland and served as first lady of the United States from 1885 to 1886, during her brother's first term. She was known for her strong personality and independence and was often criticized by Washington high society as being a bluestocking. Once her brother was married, Rose was able to pursue a career in writing and education and later became the editor of the Chicago magazine "Literary Life."

Frances Folsom (1864-1947) was married to Grover Cleveland in the Blue Room of the White House on June 2, 1886. She became wildly popular with the public and used her position to connect to the American people and influence her husband's patronage. Her popularity also proved an obstacle to Cleveland's opponents, who found they could not easily criticize the administration without public outcry. She was even sent as a presidential representative to the 1888 Great Tariff Debate (as referenced in her letter to Representative Scott) to act as a quiet yet influential observer.

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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October 18, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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