FIRST LADY LUCRETIA R. GARFIELD - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 12/18/1899 - HFSID 288306

LUCRETIA GARFIELD
Still writing on black-bordered mourning paper 18 years after her husband's assassination, she inquires about an order she had placed.
Autograph Letter signed: "Lucretia R. Garfield", 2 pages (front and verso), 4½x6¾. Washington, D.C., 1899 December 18. On her personalized mourning paper to Mr. Cathcart, Cleveland, Ohio. In full: "I forgot to ask whether you have heard from the 'Turganieff' I ordered. I hope you are able to get it and if possible send it to this address before Christmas, or if not, as soon thereafter as possible. On November 11, 1858, 26-year-old Lucretia Rudolph married 26-year-old James Garfield in Hiram, Ohio. They had five sons and two daughters. Although stricken with malaria herself, Mrs. Garfield rushed back to Washington after her husband was shot and cared for him during his three month fight for life with a dedication which impressed the nation. Mrs. Garfield survived her assassinated husband by more than 36 years. After his death on September 19, 1881, Congress appropriated Mrs. Garfield (and the widows of Presidents Tyler and Polk) an annual pension of $50,000. Five Garfield children lived to maturity: three lawyers, an architect, and the wife of an investment banker. Lucretia Garfield outlived her husband by 36 years, always writing on mourning paper as shown here. "Turgenief" is a frequently alternate spelling of Ivan Turgenev; Mrs. Garfield has probably ordered a book by the Russian novelist and playwright. Edges lightly frayed. Mailing fold through center. Otherwise, fine condition.