Description:

Grover Cleveland
Princeton, NJ, March 14, 1901
Grover Cleveland ALS Re: Invitation to Fundraising Dinner
ALS
Grover Cleveland (1837-1908). Autographed Letter Signed, "Grover Cleveland", 2pp bifolium, 4.5" x 6.75", Princeton, New Jersey, March 14, 1901. Expected mailing folds and creases. Separation at top and bottom of central vertical fold. Small closed tear at blank verso. Light toning with soiling and scattered foxing. In near fine condition.

To John J. Rooney, Esq., in full:

"I am in receipt of the courteous invitation of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick to attend its one hundred and seventeenth anniversary dinner on the eighteenth instant. I remember with special pleasure such an occasion a number of years ago when I was allowed to be present; and I shall always recall with delight the good cheer and hearty hospitality that pervaded the assemblage. The anniversary of the Saints this year however falls, or rather its celebration occurs on my son's birthday; and I am such so old that my wife and children are willing to release me from the celebration of that day at home and with them. I feel obliged therefore to decline."

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. He won the popular vote for three presidential elections, in 1884, 1888, and 1892, and was one of two Democrats (with Woodrow Wilson) to be elected president during the era of Republican political domination dating from 1861 to 1933. He was also the first and to date only President in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. At the time of this written letter Cleveland was living at his familial retirement estate, Westland Mansion, in Princeton, New Jersey.

John Jerome Rooney (1866-1934) was an American judge and verse writer. A member of the New York bar, Rooney practiced chiefly in mercantile, customs, and revenue cases. He was presiding judge of the Court of Claims, State of New York, 1913 to 1916, and was special counsel, City of New York, 1920.

The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick was founded in Philadelphia in 1771 to help Irish migrants to the United States. The New York City branch was formed in 1784 by leading members of the community to care for the unusual number of impoverished and displaced Irishmen, who had arrived in New York in the wake of the British evacuation. During 1784, and in subsequent years, they provided money, food, clothing and shelter to their less fortunate fellow countrymen. These were acts of personal and collective charity. By the twentieth century, invitations to the Society's anniversary fundraising dinners were coveted. There are branches of the Society throughout the United States and each branch operates independently. Today, it is the second oldest continuously meeting Irish organization in the United States.

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: 4.5" x 6.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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