SAMUEL J. RANDALL - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 07/06/1885 - HFSID 34713

SAMUEL J. RANDALL. Manuscript LS: "Saml J. Randall" as U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, 1½p, 7½x9½ lined paper, separate sheets. On letterhead of House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., but written from Berwyn, Pennsylvania, 1885 July 6. To David Manning, Secretary of the Treasury. In full: "You have for some time urged upon me to recommend a proper person for appraiser at the Port of Phila. I have steadily declined to name any one until I could with perfect safety indicate a gentleman who I know would meet faithfully and well every duty of the position. Joseph B. Baker Esqr will hand you this note of introduction. I commend him for the place because he is a citizen of the highest character. He was the collector of the port of Phila. during Mr. Buchanan's administration; hence he has the required experience. I will thank you to introduce him to the President, he will be able to speak for himself. I can say that I know I am doing what is right for the public interest and all concerned in advocating his appointment." Docketed (unknown hand) on verso of signature sheet. SAMUEL JACKSON RANDALL (1828-1890), a Civil War veteran promoted at Gettysburg, represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1863 until his death. He was Speaker of the House from 1876-1881.Randall sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1876 and 1880. DANIEL MANNING (1831-1887) was Secretary of the Treasury at the beginning of GROVER CLEVELAND's term as 22nd U.S. President (1885-1889). Manning, who died in office, was pictured on the $20 U.S. silver certificate from the 1890s until about 1919. Lightly creased with folds, light vertical fold at the "n" and light diagonal crease at the "d" of Randall. ¼-inch tear at lower blank margin of signature sheet, 2 pin holes at upper left blank corners. Letter is lightly soiled, docket page is soiled at lower blank margin and lightly soiled at folds. Overall, fine condition.