Description:

Benjamin Harrison
New York, NY, June 3, 1895
Benjamin Harrison to Former VP Levi P. Morton: "…I can't stand New York…" - Great Association Piece!
ALS
A fine post-Presidential autograph letter signed "Benj Harrison", [New York], June 3, 1895. Harrison writes on his personal Indianapolis letterhead to his former Vice President Levi P. Morton, adding "5th Ave. Hotel" at top. 1p., 5" x 8". Tape remains to verso, otherwise boldly signed and very good.

In part:

"…I received the card asking me to have a search made for a lost eye glass, but nothing of the kind could be found. One of your staff left a pair of gloves but these have not been reclaimed. I hope you are feeling very well. The heat here is so intense here in the city that it almost dangerous to sit still in your room…Eastman Johnson can't do miracle work, but I hope he is about ready to discharge me, for I can't stand New York in such weather…".

Just two years after the conclusion of his Presidency, America artist Eastman Johnston (1824-1906) painted a portrait of Harrison while in New York and during a summer of extremely high temperatures about which Harrison so bitterly complains. Indeed, historical weather records indicate that the heat rose to 96 degrees Fahrenheit on June 2, 1895 -- just one day before this letter. One can only imagine Harrison's irritability while posing in a stifling studio in full formal dress!

Levi P. Morton (1824 - 1920) served as the 22nd Vice President of the United States under Benjamin Harrison. He and Harrison were not particularly close, and Harrison even personally blamed Morton for the failure of his Lodge Bill, which was to ensure the security of elections for U.S. Representatives by granting the federal government authority to regulate elections over state governments.

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: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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