JULIUS S. MORTON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 09/24/1898 - HFSID 143544

JULIUS STERLING MORTON
Morton handwrote, signed and dated this letter to W. E. Curtis in 1898. In it, he thanks Curtis for a letter that he sent and mulls taking a position with the Argentine government.
Autograph letter signed "J Sterling Morton". Withpencil notations on front and verso in unknown hand. 2 pages,5¼x8¼, 1 sheet front and verso, on stationery from the Parker House, Boston. Sept. 24, 1898. Addressed to W. E. Curtis. In full: "My Dear W.E. Curtis For your kind note and for your many other courtesies I am under accumulating obli-gations. But it is agreeable to be a debtor to ones [sic] friends and watch for chances to repay them with unexpected and generous interest. It is perhaps impossible for me to visit Washington now - before going home and therefore I may not have the pleasure of the hospitality of your home which you so cor-dially tendered. But I shall see you I think before I decide whether to reject or accept the attractive Argentine offer about which I am constantly thinking and the right, just and discreet determination of which is to so mould and color the remainder of my life work. The truth is I am almost as zealous and enthusiastic to go, to work, to form and [illegible] up a Department for the Argentine Republic as though I were a native aged about thirty five, instead of a foreigner of sixty six. It is a great chance to do a good and permanent work. How can I reject it? Address me care Paul Morton V.P.AJ. 8 S 8th Good Great Gothem Building Chicago. Regards to family Yours Faithfully". Morton (1832-1902, born in Adams, New York) was Secretary of Nebraska Territory (1858-1861) and served as President Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture in his second term (1893-1897). Morton also founded Arbor Day. Lightly toned and stained. Bottom of sheet discolored and with adhesive residue on verso. Folded twice and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.