Description:

Just months before the 1896 Republican National Convention McKinley writes to Chicago newspaper magnate H.H. Kohlsaat after finding out that the publisher is backing two anti-McKinley convention delegates - I only want what the people want. I do not want a delegate if it is not in accord with the popular verdict but I think I have a right to have that verdict recorded ... I ask only for the voice of the people...

WILLIAM MCKINLEY (1843-1901) Autograph Letter Signed "W McKinley," 2p, 5.5" x 9", front & verso. Canton, February 3, 1896. To Mr. Kohlsaat. On McKinley's rare personal stationery simply engraved "William McKinley" at top left. Fine condition.

In full, "Since talking with you over the phone I have thought that the early conventions which have been called in your city are unfriendly to me, It must mean quick-active work on the point of my friends. Would it not be wise (if you accept my view that this is an unfriendly move) to bring this 'snap judgment progressive' to the attention of the people through the press.

"If it is to present the mastery of the people - the people ought to know it. It should be presented to them with your accustomed force. I only want what the people want. I do not want a delegate if it is not in accord with the popular verdict, but I think I have a right to have that verdict recorded.

"I hope you are very well. I have just seen Mr. Dawes, who will tell you my feeling & …. Let him consult with you freely. The City Convention I regard as of extreme importance and I feel that I am not asking much, when I ask only for the voice of the people."

After signing, McKinley adds a postscript: "I have asked Mr Dawes to give you this note because it will reach you sooner. Let me hear from you."

Herman Henry Kohlsaat (1853-1924) was the editor and publisher of the Chicago Evening Post and the Chicago Times Herald from 1894-1901.Under Kohlsaat's direction, the newspapers became increasingly involved in national politics. He converted the papers from Democratic to Republican organs. Kohlsaat one of McKinley's strongest allies.

Charles G. Dawes (1865-1951) was appointed by President McKinley as Controller of the Currency (1898-1901). He later served as Coolidge's Vice President (1925-1929) and was awarded the 1925 Nobel Peace Prize "for having contributed to reducing the tension between Germany and France after the First World War."

This letter is mentioned in Chapter 14 "High Stakes in Springfield" in Karl Rove's The Triumph of William McKinley: Why the Election of 1896 Still Matters (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015): "Kohlsaat told Dawes his Times-Herald would support two men for the 6th Congressional District national delegate slots who were not McKinley men … McKinley phoned Kohlsaat and then wrote a personal letter for Dawes to give him. 'The Governor agrees we must fight. He gives me full authority.' … Even after the Major's [McKinley's] phone call and letter, Kohlsaat wouldn’t budge on the 6th district delegates nor allow Swift [Mayor of Chicago, George B. Swift] to endorse McKinley.

"Dawes called Kohlsaat's stubbornness a 'bitter disappointment,' but he couldn't afford to circumvent him by reaching out to Swift. Dawes felt he must respond to Lorimer's [Congressman William Lorimer headed the Cook County Republican machine] show of strength, so he rallied the McKinley forces by holding a protest against the snap conventions … By early March, the results of Dawes's work were visible…"

On the first ballot at the Republican National Convention held in St. Louis on June 18, 1896, William McKinley was nominated for President with 666.5 votes. 46 of Illinois 48 delegates voted for McKinley, 2 voted for Speaker of the House Thomas B. Reed who finished second with 84.5 votes. McKinley's nomination was then made unanimous. He was elected 25th President of the United States on November 3, 1896.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

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

June 21, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% 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