Description:

Just six days after he signed the act providing the Oklahoma Territory a temporary government, Pres. Harrison tells Col. Kerens his telegram arrived "after the Oklahoma appointments had been determined upon" and he cannot appoint the man the Colonel recommended - three weeks later, ostensibly to appease him, Harrison appointed Kerens to be a Commissioner-at-Large of the World Columbian Exposition

BENJAMIN HARRISON (1833-1901) Autograph Letter Signed "Benj Harrison" as President, 2p, 4.5" x 6.75", separate pages, conjoined sheets. On Executive Mansion stationery, Washington, May 8, 1890. With original postmarked envelope addressed by Pres. Harrison to "Col. R.C. Kerens / St. Louis / Mo," torn open at right edge removing upper portion of 2¢ George Washington postage stamp. Letter and envelope are marked "Personal" by Harrison. Fine condition.

In full, "Your telegram was received this morning after the Oklahoma appointments had been determined upon. A few days ago, I thought things were so arranged that I could trust the wishes of Mr Reynolds which I was quite inclined to do - tho' having much regretted to have him leave Missouri.

"But I wanted to give these officers to the Territory my Marshal, Secy & one Judge. After going over the names carefully I could not find a marshal in the Territory who was satisfactory & did find a good Dist Atty - tho had to give over my thought as to Mr Reynolds, as with & finding no Judges there I was entirely satisfied with I have taken all three from outside. I am very sorry to disappoint Mr Reynolds - for I have been very favorable impressed by him. With kind regards Sincerely Yours Benj Harrison."

"An Act to provide a temporary government for the Territory of Oklahoma, to enlarge the jurisdiction of the United States Court in the Indian Territory, and for other purposes" was signed into law by Pres. Harrison on May 2, 1890.

On May 26, 1890, Col. Richard C. Kerens was appointed by Pres. Harrison as one of eight national Commissioners-at-Large of the World Columbian Exposition to be held in Chicago.

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