Description:

Benjamin Harrison LS on "Law Office of Harrison, Hines & Miller" Letterhead

A 2pp letter signed by future 23rd U.S. President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901) as "Benj Harrison" in black ink near the top of the second page. Written in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 21, 1882 on two sheets of legal stationery with "B. Harrison. / C.C. Hines. / W.H.H. Miller. / Law Office of Harrison, Hines & Miller, / 3, 4 & 6, Wright's Block, Market Street," letterhead. Inscribed in purple ink in a secretarial hand. Expected paper folds, light toning, and a few smudges, else near fine. 5.375" x 8.5."

In Fall 1882, Benjamin Harrison was still nearly a decade from the White House; he had headed the Indianapolis law firm of Harrison, Hines & Miller since 1874, and had begun his first and only term as a U.S. Senator from Indiana about 18 months before. (Harrison served one term in the U.S. Senate, through 1887, but continued running his law office up until his presidency, in 1889.)

Harrison dictated the following message to an office-seeker named Harry Fiske (alternately Fisk), who asked for an appointment as postmaster of Aurora, Indiana just on the Indiana/Ohio state border.

Harrison said in part: "I have rec'd your letter of the 18", and notice what you say in relation to yourself and your application for the post office at Aurora. I can only say that I will give due consideration to all that is presented to me on the subject before coming to any determination. My rule is to make no promises in advance that would embarrass me in any action…"

This was sound policy on Harrison's part, and excellent practice for his future political career, when deflecting lobbying would only become more important. Harrison served as president for one term, between 1889-1893.

A book of local Indiana state history indicates that Harry Fiske (born 1840) was a native Kentuckian who served in the Union Army during the Civil War, was taken prisoner at the Battle of Port Republic, and wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Fiske served as a carriage maker, painter, and factory owner. Fiske's dream of becoming postmaster of Aurora, Indiana was fulfilled in 1883. He served in that role until at least 1887.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

November 10, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000