GROVER CLEVELAND
Grover Cleveland handwrote this letter in 1891 to decline an
invitation from the South Carolina Bar Association, even though "I should
very much enjoy visiting my brethren of the bar in your State".
Autograph letter signed"Grover Cleveland". Pencil notations in
top right corner in unknown hand/2 pages, 4½x7, 1 sheet folded, front and verso.
Nov. 2, 1891. Addressed to G. W. Craft, Esq., President. In full:
"The invitation tendered to me by the South Carolina Bar Association
gratifies me exceedingly; and I know that I should very much enjoy visiting my
brethren of the bar in your State. I [illegible] therefore to say, that
after some ex=ploration on the [illegible] I am obliged to decline this
invitation. Yours very truly." Cleveland (1837-1908, born in
Caldwell, New Jersey), served as the 22nd U.S. President from 1885-1889.
He was the first Democratic President elected after the Civil War and became
a Democratic candidate again in 1892 as a fighter of protective tariffs. He ran
for re-election on Nov. 6, 1888, receiving more popular votes than Benjamin
Harrison (5,537,857 to 5,447,129), but lost in the Electoral College, 233 to 168
electoral votes, 20 to 18 states. After his first Presidential term he
retired to New York to resume his law practice as he had no private fortune.
In 1892, Cleveland was the first ballot nominee at the Democratic National
Convention in Chicago. He defeated President Harrison in popular votes
(5,556,918 to 5,176,108), electoral votes (277-145), and states (23-16).
Grover and Frances Cleveland, married in the White House in 1886, had
their first child, Ruth, in 1891, Esther, the only presidential
child born in the White House, in 1893, a third daughter Marion in 1895,
son Richard in 1897, and son Francis in 1903. Cleveland is the
only former U.S. President to be elected President. Lightly toned, foxed and
creased. Spine of letter is worn, with light tear at bottom and light nick at
top of spine. Folded once vertically and horizontally and unfolded. Light dent
in right edge along fold. Otherwise in fine condition.
This website image contains our company watermark. The actual document does not contain this watermark.
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