JAMES G. BLAINE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/17/1870 - HFSID 283572

JAMES BLAINE
Signed autograph letter (1970) on Congressional stationery to future Maine Governor Sidney Perham, tardily extending his support.
Autograph Letter signed: "J. G. Blaine"as US Representative, 2p (integral leaf). 7¾x10¼. Washington, D.C., 1870 January 17. On letterhead of 41st US Congressto "Bro. [Sidney] Perham", in full: "As you were aware, I was honorably committed to the support of Sam Hersey for the gubernatorial nomination and did what was fair to secure that end. But you must also be well aware that my position did not spring from any hostility, either personal or political, to yourself as I believe our acquaintance and friendship of nearly sixteen years - six of which we passed together in Congress - have never known any interruption. No man in Maine will exert himself more cordially or more earnestly for your election than myself, and none will more warmly rejoice in the honorable and successful administration which I am sure you will give to the people of Maine. Your friend, very truly". JAMES G. BLAINE (1830-1893), who began his political career in the Maine state House of Representatives (1859-1862; Speaker 1861-1862), later served as a Republican U.S. Congressman (1863-1876; Speaker of the House, 1868-1875) and U.S. Senator (1876-1881) from the state. Secretary of State under Presidents Garfield and Arthur (1881) and Benjamin Harrison (1889-1892), Blaine was nominated for President at five consecutive Republican National Conventions: 1876, 1880, 1884, 1888 and 1892. He won the nomination in 1884, but lost the November election to New York Governor Grover Cleveland after a campaign characterized by mud-slinging on both sides. SIDNEY PERHAM (1819-1917), the addressee, was a Member of Congress from Maine (1863-1869, serving with Blaine as this letter notes) and Governor of that State (1871-1874). As Governor, he introduced free public high schools. The losing candidate backed by Blaine was Samuel F. Hersey (1812-1875), who later represented Maine in Congress (1873-1875). Horizontal and vertical folds. Lightly toned and creased. Otherwise, fine condition.