Garfield, James A. (James Abram) (1831-1881) to Lionel A. Sheldon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03605 Author/Creator: Garfield, James A. (James Abram) (1831-1881) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 December 1866 Pagination: 3 p. : 2 envelopes; 25.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Garfield, then a U.S. congressman from Ohio, discusses reconstruction and the refusal of the southern states to ratify the 14th amendment, which had been drafted to combat opposition to federal policies towards freed slaves. He writes, "It is a great pity that the southern states do not adopt the Constitutional amendment." States that if they would adopt it, reconstruction could be completed before the end of winter. Remarks that stronger measures are needed against the south if they do not adopt it, "Even to the extent of declaring the southern states reduced to territories and organizing governments for them, based on universal suffrage." Discusses moves to strengthen the power of congress. He hopes that President Andrew Johnson and his cabinet will accept the necessity of Congressional action and states, " ... but it is yet a question whether they will have the manhood to come down gracefully and obey the voice of the people." On official letterhead of the 38th Congress, Washington City. With two "House of Representatives," envelopes. One self-addressed and bearing his free frank the other unrelated.
Sheldon was governor of the New Mexico territory 1881-1885.
Washington City Dec 10 1866
Dear Sheldon,
Yours of the 2nd inst is received. Glad to hear that you arrived safely, with your good wife - and that business is still good to you - Congress is again in harness - and commencing to reconnoiter the situation. It is a great pity that the southern states do not adopt the Constitutional amendment. If they should do so, restoration could and would be completed before the winter ends. Nothing can be truer than that henceforward in this government - a vote of the people means fight. If the South does not adopt the Constitutional amendment-the people will take more positive and vigorous [2] measures. Even to the extent of declaring the southern states reduced to territories and organizing governments for them, based on universal suffrage.
I hope we shall not be driven to extreme measures - but it now looks as though more conservative counsels would not prevail at the south.
Congress will greatly curtail the power of the Executive, this session, and so readjust the balance of the three departments that the legislature will more resemble the House of Commons than it has in the past.
For myself I try to do two things be a radical and not be a fool. Some of our men seem inclined to push matters so that they cannot be the first without becoming the second - [3] I shall give more of my time to Finance than to general politics -and do what I can to restore the industrial interests of the country to health.
Johnson and his cabinet are a good deal subdued, but it is yet a question whether they will have the manhood to come down gracefully and obey the voice of the people - My wife and babies are with me and are in good health. Cobb Boynton is here but thinks of quitting Washington and going to New York. My wife joins me in love to yours & you - also, son and wife. I shall hope to hear from you as often as you are willing to write -
Capt Rudolph is here and sends kind regards.
Very Truly Your Friend
J. A. Garfield
[envelope]
Gen [text loss]den,
Cleveland,
Ohio
Governor
New Mexico
[free frank]
Free
Thos. L. Young
House of Reps
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