WARNER MILLER - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 02/11/1887 - HFSID 13821

WARNER MILLER
As US Senator, he declines an invitation to a Lincoln Day dinner but takes the opportunity to praise the first Republican President
Autograph Letter signed: "Warner Miller", 2 pages (front and verso), 8x10. Washington, D.C., 1887 February 11. On Senate letterhead to James S. Lehmaier, New York City. In full: "I am in receipt of your most cordial invitation to attend the dinner of the Republican Club of New York City on Saturday eve, the 12th. I regret that I cannot accept. Many matters of great importance to N. Y. demand my attention here this week. You say the dinner is given to celebrate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. It is certainly most appropriate that a Republican Club should thus commemorate the birthday of our first Republican President. Let us cherish the hope that all Republicans will emulate the virtues of Lincoln who devoted all his energy and ability to the service of his party and his country. I beg to remain, Yours truly". Warner Miller (1838-1918) served in the New York volunteer cavalry during the Civil War, rising from private to lieutenant, captured as a prisoner of war and then released in a prisoner exchange. He founded a wood pulp business, becoming President of the American Pulp and Paper Association while serving in the New York State Assembly, as noted here. A Republican, he served in the US House of Representatives (1879-1881), and then the US Senate (1881-1887). He unsuccessfully sought the office of Governor of New York in 1888, the year he wrote this letter. Multiple mailing folds. Binding holes at left edge. Toned. Ink stamps. Corners lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.