Description:

James Garfield
Washington, DC, February 16, 1866
James Garfield Re: Post Civil War Rapid Restoration of the South
ALS

James A. Garfield Autograph Letter Signed "J. A. Garfield." Three pages on a bifolium of Thirty-Ninth Congress, U.S. letterhead; 5.2" x 7.75"; Washington, D.C.; February 16, 1866. A warm letter to longtime friend James Orton sharing news of his appointment as a Regent to the Smithsonian Institute and sending a copy of his address to Congress stating his opposition to a speedy restoration of the Southern States. With smoothed folds, and occasional smears to the ink. Otherwise very clean and with great eye appeal.

Garfield writes in part: "I am rejoiced to hear that you have risen to a place of such solid honor and distinguished usefulness in the Church – one which must bring you far more satisfaction than a life in the storm & whirl of war and politics." With this line, Garfield poses a sharp contrast to his own career path. Garfield was commissioned as a colonel in the Union Army in August 1861, and eventually a major general in September 1863. He entered the foray of politics while still in uniform, resigning his military commission in December 1863 to assume his seat in Congress representing Ohio.

He continues: "In regard to your scientific tendencies and wishes I am now a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution and will cheerfully do all that I can to secure what books I can for you. It will be difficult to get book numbers, but I will send your list to Prof H[?] and ask him to send you all he can spare. I shall be glad to hear from you at any time. I send you a copy of my speech lately made in the House of Representatives on Restoration of Rebel States [not present]. Please send me any sermons or addresses you may publish."

Although Garfield entered Congress as a moderate Republican, his views shifted to align with the Radical Republicans as Andrew Johnson clashed with Congress. By 1866, Garfield sided with the Congressional Republicans against Johnson, supporting the 14th Amendment and insisting that the rebel states must not be readmitted without conditions. And it is these positions that he posed in the speech he sent to Orton.

Garfield and Orton also shared intellectual pursuits. Garfield had a strong interest in science and education, and his role as Regent to the Smithsonian allowed him to connect politics with intellectual advancement. Orton, an ordained Congregational minister, later became a professor of natural history at the University of Rochester. He led expeditions in the 1860s and 1870s, and wrote The Andes and the Amazon (1870), which became a widely used textbook on South American geography and natural history.

A great letter demonstrating Garfield's many passions and dedication to public service.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 5.2" x 7.75"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

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

November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% 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