Description:

Caroline Harrison
Washington, DC, December 22, 1889
Caroline Harrison Scarce ALS as First Lady on Her Ancestry in Relation to an "arch traitor"
ALS

A lengthy autographed letter on Executive Mansion stationary from First Lady Caroline Harrison to her son, Russell (1854-1936), signed at conclusion as "your aff mother/ Caroline S. Harrison". 3p of a bifolium, measuring 4" x 6" (folded), Washington, D.C., December 22, 1889. Within, she responds to an unfavorable newspaper clipping and a potential ancestral relationship with an "arch traitor". Exhibits light age toning throughout, with evidence of prior mounting residue on last page. Negligible pin holes present near the top of page 1, above letterhead. Otherwise, near fine.

In full:

"Your letter with enclosed clipping was received a day or two ago. I guess the statement may be true as I have always understood that there was some relationship with the arch traitor. It is a connection of which we naturally would not be proud. The Harrison's genealogy has not yet been completed & I cannot tell whether the relationship is given right & it would not appear on the Carter family tree, which is all I have at present.
I suppose you will go to Omaha & spend your Christmas. If you do not we will be glad to have you here. I expect to send May & Marthena each a present tomorrow. I suppose you have seen the account of _ Harrison's death. It is very sad for his mother & sisters, if it had been Harry or Randolph or even the old Grandmother we could see some wisdom in it.
I hope you will have a happy Xmas & we will be glad to see you when you can come. I will write to Mary to-day. Excuse this short note. I want to get this into the afternoon mail."

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: 4" x 6"
  • Medium: ALS

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