MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD J. OGLESBY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/25/1887 - HFSID 13837

GOVERNOR RICHARD J. OGLESBY
He penned this letter on stationery of the Executive Office in Springfield, Illinois in 1887 to accept an invitation to a dinner in honor of Abraham Lincoln held by the Republican Club of New York City.
Autograph Letter Signed "R.J Oglesby". 1 page, 5x8¼, on stationery of the Executive Office in Springfield, Illinois with 2 binder holes at left edge. Jan. 25, 1887. Addressed to James S. Lehmaier, Esq. "Of the Committee", New York City. In full: "My Dear Sir: On my return to the Capital I found your kind letter of the 20th inclosing in-vitation to the first annual dinner, Feb'y. 12, 1887, of the Republi-can Club of the City of New York. I accept with pleasure the honored invitation, and sin-cerely hope public duties may not deny me the pleasure of being present upon, and participating in the observances of the occasion. I am satisfied that the celebration will be productive of great good, not only in a National point of view, but to the great party of liberty which the lamented Lincoln did so much to fix in the hearts of the people. Very Respectfully Yours,". Oglesby (1824-1899) was a Republican governor of Illinois (1865-1869, 1873, 1885-1889) and U. S. Senator from Illinois (1873-1879). He fought in the Mexican-American War with the 4th Illinois Volunteers. He also fought in the Civil War, where he was commissioned a colonel commanding the 8th Illinois Volunteers and rose to major general. Oglesby was badly wounded in his chest during the Second Battle of Corinth (Oct. 4 to Oct. 4, 1862). Lightly toned and creased. Folded twice horizontally and unfolded. Discolored along folds. Binding holes at left margin. Otherwise, fine condition.