Description:

Garfield's copy of the rare printing of his remarks in the House of Representatives on the first anniversary of Lincoln's assassination _ his words were used to memorialize him after his own assassination 16 years later

The first Presidential memorial library, completed at the Lawnfield estate in Ohio by the widow of James Garfield four years after his assassination, houses almost 3,000 books that were used and treasured by the 20th president. Books were a scarce commodity to young James, who lost his father before the age of two, and was raised by his mother who struggled to maintain a humble existence. Both James Garfield and his wife Lucretia were voracious readers and amassed a large collection of books and pamphlets. Some twenty years ago, several dozen of his books and pamphlets were de-accessioned, and one of these is described below:

Pamphlet, "Remarks of Hon. Jas. A. Garfield of Ohio in the House of Representatives, April 14, 1866, In Memory of Abraham Lincoln," four pages, 5" x 8". Washington, D.C.: Hudson Taylor, Printer, 1866. Stamped signature "J.A. Garfield" in upper right. From the Library of James A. Garfield. Folds. Very good condition.

William Makepeace Thayer, concludes his biography "From Long-Cabin to the White House: Life of James A. Garfield" (Boston: James H. Earle, 1881), published within three months of Garfield's death, thusly, "As we recall, in conclusion, the wonderful career of the man, and ponder the mysterious Providence that confronts us in his removal, and ask the meaning of the deep and universal grief at his burial, we can find no more fitting words with which to close this record, than his own words, in the National House of Representatives, on the occasion of the first anniversary of Lincoln's death. In a speech of rare beauty and eloquence he said, _ what applies with remarkable significance to himself, _ _This day will be sadly memorable so long as this nation shall endure, which, God grant, may be _till the last syllable of time,' when the volume of human history shall be sealed up and delivered to the Omnipotent Judge..." Thayer continues to quote from the remain paragraphs of Garfield's speech here offered, concluding with Garfield's conclusion, quoting from "Battle Hymn of the Republic": "Following the lead of that great man, and obeying the high beliefs of God, let us remember that _ _He has sounded forth a trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Be swift my soul to answer Him, be jubilant my feet; For God is marching on.'" After Garfield spoke these words on April 14, 1866, he said, "I move, sir, that this House do now adjourn." The House convened at 12 Noon, heard Congressman Garfield's speech, and adjourned at 12:15 PM.

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