Description:

Benjamin Harrison
Indianapolis, IN, June 16, 1894
Former President Harrison Writes He Has No Wish to Return to Public Service
LS

A two-page letter on his personal imprinted letterhead with mourning borders, 4.9" x 7.8". Written on pages one and three of a bifolium, Harrison writes to Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward M. Paxson informing him that he is settling into private life and that he has no wish to return to public service. Marked "Private" in Harrison's hand in the top left corner of the first page and signed, "Benj Harrison." With age toning, and a strip of offsetting along the outer edge of the integral sheet. With a letter of authenticity issued by Beckett.

In part:

"It is a great comfort to know that my administration has grown rather than diminished in the popular esteem, I have not, however, hesitated to say, to every friend who talked to me on the subject, that I had no wish for any further public service of any sort. I do not see anything but worry and possible disaster for me in the suggestion."

Harrison lost his re-election campaign against Grover Cleveland in November 1892. His election loss was overshadowed by the death of his wife Caroline who passed a week earlier on October 25, 1892. Harrison returned to practice law in Indianapolis, which he found to be "quiet work that is agreeable and that will yield me a comfortable support" as he writes to Paxson.

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: 4.9" x 7.8"
  • Medium: LS

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
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