MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD J. OGLESBY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/28/1888 - HFSID 13751

GOVERNOR RICHARD J. OGLESBY
He signed this letter, typed on stationery of the Executive Office in Springfield, Illinois in 1888, to turn down an invitation to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday with the Republican Club of New York City.
Typed Letter Signed: "R.J Oglesby". 1 page, 8x10¾, on stationery of the Executive Office in Springfield, Illinois with 3 binder holes at left edge. Jan. 28, 1887. Addressed to James S. Lehmaier, New York City. In full: "Dear Sir: Accept my thanks for for [sic] your letter of the 23rd. inst., inviting me to the Second Annual Dinner of the Republican Club of the City of New York, of the 11th. of February next, on the oc-casion of observing the anniversary of the Birthday of Abraham Lincoln. I would be delighted to be present on the occasion, knowing from a personal participation on a similar occasion last year, how delightful and interesting it will inevitably be. The truth is, however, unavoidable engagements will compel me to remain at home and regretfully forfeit the pleasures of the day, and the company of the men who are to be present, whom I should delight to see and hear, eat and speak. Yours respectfully,".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, soiled and creased. Signature has bled slightly and is lightly haloed but legible. Lightly ripped at top edge. Light tear at left and right edges. Lightly discolored at top and bottom edges. Folded twice horizontally and unfolded. Filing holes at left edge. Otherwise, fine condition.