Description:

James A. Garfield LS Re: Ninth U.S. Census

A 1p letter signed by then U.S. Congressman from Ohio James A. Garfield (1831-1881) as "J.A. Garfield" at the conclusion. January 27, 1869. [Washington, D.C.] Secretarially inscribed on a stationery leaf with "Fortieth Congress, U.S. / House of Representatives" letterhead and a pictorial representation of the Capitol Building at top. Inscribed in an unknown hand at upper left, "Have you any wisdom to spare on this subject?" Expected wear including moderate toning, isolated foxing and ink spots, and flattened paper folds. Cropped at upper left. Archivally enclosed in acid-free housing, easily removable. Else very good, with a dark signature. The actual size of the letter is 5" x 7.75" while the encapsulation measures 7.375" x 10" overall.

Congressman Garfield addressed this missive to an unidentified recipient, probably the "leading journalist" described in the letter. In part: "A Committee of the House of Representatives, of which I am Chairman, has been appointed to report what legislation is necessary to provide for the taking of the United States Census…"

Garfield had represented Ohio's 19th District since 1863. Just one week earlier, on January 20, 1867, Congressman Garfield had proposed a resolution before the 40th U.S. Congress (convened from March 1867 - March 1869), "that a select committee of seven be appointed to inquire and report to the House what legislation is necessary to provide for taking the Ninth Census…" Garfield's resolution was adopted, and he was appointed Chairman of the special committee.

In two subsequent speeches delivered before the U.S. House of Representatives on April 6, 1869 and December 16, 1869 respectively, Garfield underscored the fundamental importance of collecting accurate census data as it directly impacted the number of delegates sent to the House of Representatives. A "census made the very basis of the government itself," Garfield stated emphatically in his April 6th address. Garfield also embraced a shockingly modern approach to statistical data that would more fully coalesce in the late twentieth century with the advent of social history; he argued that census data was the most direct way to gauge the character of the nation's people. "Till recently, the historian studied nations in the aggregate…Of the people themselves -- the great social body, with life, growth, forces, elements and laws of its own -- he [the historian] told us nothing. Now, statistical inquiry leads him into the hovels, homes, workshops, mines, fields, prisons, hospitals and all other places where human nature displays its weakness and its strength…" For more information on Garfield's role in the census debate, please consult ed. Burke A. Hinsdale, Vol. 1, "The Works of James Abram Garfield" (Boston: J.R. Osgood Company, pp. 444-476.)

Garfield's call to investigate current methods of census-taking resulted in changes made to the 1850 legislation, which Garfield had viewed as problematic. It also positioned the collection of such data more firmly in the camp of scientific inquiry. The 1870 U.S. Census, or Ninth Census, was collected from June 1870 through August 1871.

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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