HARLAN J. BUSHFIELD His ink signature on a card, accompanied by two letters from his Senate office, the first reporting that he is too ill to sign an autograph! Signature: "Harlan J. Bushfield" as US Senator, 5x3 card with typed caption, affixed to an 8½x11 page (3 surfaces) which also bears a transmittal letter from his office, dated November 13, 1945, apologizing for a late response. Also included is a prior letter from the same office, dated August 6, 1945, which reads in part: "The Senator was taken ill at Huron, South Dakota, en route to his home at Miller, South Dakota. As soon as he is again well and able to take care of his correspondence your letter will be called to his attention and you will receive his autograph." Also affixed are a pressing clipping which reports Bushfield's stroke and resulting critical condition, and a transmittal envelope bearing his stamped frank, addressed to Ralph Errington Ward, Washington, D.C. HARLAN JOHN BUSHFIELD (1882-1948), a Republican, was Governor of South Dakota (1939-1943) and US Senator (1943-1948). Although he partially recovered from the stroke mentioned here, Bushfield died in office, and his wife, Vera C. Bushfield, was appointed to serve the rest of his term. From the collection of Ralph Errington Ward (1926-2009) a fighter pilot and squadron commander in the China-Burma-India Theater of World War II. Ward went on to become President and CEO of Cheseborough-Ponds, Inc., transforming the cosmetics firm into a major home product conglomerate. Lightly toned. Staple holes at top left corner. Corners lightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.