Description:

Garfield James

James A. Garfield FF Dated Same Day a White Supremacist Law Rejected by Garfield was Signed into Law

A free franked envelope signed by future 20th U.S. President (and then Ohio Congressman) James Garfield (1831-1881) as “JAGarfield / MC” in the postage section of a Washington, D.C. stationer's cream envelope. The envelope is addressed to Garfield's former pupil “...B.A. Hinsdale / Hiram / Portage Co / Ohio.”  Docketed April 20, 1871 verso. Trimmed at left. In good overall condition, with expected foxing and minor discoloration. 4.5" x 3.125".

This free franked envelope dates from Garfield’s tenure as an Ohio delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Between 1863 and 1880, Garfield wrestled with issues like emancipation, Reconstruction, the gold standard, Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial, federal corruption, and congressional salaries.

On April 20, 1871, 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Enforcement Act of 1871. The Act was designed to stymie the activities of militant white supremacist groups in the Reconstruction South by empowering the president to suspend the writ of habeas corpus. Though Garfield, as a loyal party Republican, championed the rights of newly emancipated blacks, he objected to granting the president seemingly limitless executive power, and opposed passage of the bill.

Garfield did not wish to run as a Republican candidate for President in 1880, but he won anyway. He was assassinated only 200 days into his first and only term.

Before entering politics, Garfield had been a teacher and principal of Hiram College. Burke Aaron Hinsdale (1837-1900) had been one of Garfield's former pupils. Hinsdale later taught English, philosophy, and political science at the same college. Lucretia Garfield requested that Hinsdale edit the assassinated president's writings; The Works of James Abram Garfield were published in 1882.

Free franking, or the ability to send mail free from postage, was instituted in the late eighteenth century. The privilege has been alternately granted, rescinded, expanded, and restricted over the last two hundred years. Traditionally, Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Congressmen like James A. Garfield, as well as former office holders and occasionally their spouses and relatives, held free franking privileges.

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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