JOHN C. SPOONER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 07/11/1888 - HFSID 13764

JOHN C. SPOONER
Wisconsin Senator writes letter of apology for being unable to keep his appointment due to losing his voice
Typed letter signed: "John C. Spooner" in black ink. 2 pages, 8x10½. Written on U.S. Senate letterhead. July 11, 1888. Washington, D.C. In full: "My Dear Mr. Lehmaier - On my return from Nantucket last evening, whiter I had been to take my family for the summer, I find your favor of July 3rd. I regret more than I can express to you my inability to keep appointment. As you are aware, my voice gave out on me in Chicago. It is the first time it ever failed me. My throat was in very bad condition and I was obliged to return from the convention and finish speech to be delivered at Gettysburg. That speech was delivered in the open air, which, as you will readily understand, did not improve my throat. The result was, that it became absolutely impossible for me to undertake a speech. I had made preparation for the occasion, ad disliked very much to fail you. I entertain, as I stated to you in Chicago, a very grateful feeling to your Club, and an exceedingly friendly feeling for you. I shall not forget the kindness with which you have treated me in New York, and nothing but absolute necessity would have prevented my being with you. I am all right again, the sea air for a few days having straightened me out, and I shall, with great pleasure, honor any draft that you Club may see fit to draw upon me in th future, where it is possible to do so. I am especially sorry that you have been cause any anxiety by my inability to keep my engagement. I know how warm-hearted and zealous your efforts are in the interest of the party. With best wishes, Your friend". Although born in Indiana John Coit Spooner (1843-1919) moved to Madison, Wisconsin at the age of sixteen, and Spooner would dedicate his career to the state. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1964, and after a brief stint serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, Spooner served as the private and military secretary to the Governor of Wisconsin before being admitted to the bar in 1867 and serving as assistant attorney general of Wisconsin until 1870. Spooner joined the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1872 as well as the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Eventually he was elected as a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 1884 and served for one term before being defeated for reelection in 1891, yet was successful in 1896 when he was elected again, and would hold the position until 1907 when he resigned. Spooner served as chairman of the Committee on Canadian Relations as well as the Committee on Rules, yet is best known for the Spooner Act, which directed President Theodore Roosevelt to purchase the Panama Canal Zone, making him a popular figure in Republican politics. Normal mailing folds. Binding holes in left margin. Toned. Small stains throughout. Slightly soiled. Light surface creases. Edges and corners worn. Otherwise, fine condition.