Garfield, Lucretia R. (1832-1918) to Henry Root
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03895.02 Author/Creator: Garfield, Lucretia R. (1832-1918) Place Written: Mentor, [Ohio] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 September 1896 Pagination: 4 p. ; 15.7 x 10.1 cm Order a Copy
Apologizes for not writing sooner as she has been busy with family and friends. Discusses a sketch of James Garfield's life that Root was to write and states that she is sure he will say what is best to honor him. Mentions that their son, Abram Garfield, has gone abroad to study architecture for a year. Another son James is devoting his time to the campaign against free silver. Gladly remarks that all her sons adhere to the same political doctrines as their father. Reports that her family is well and they all send regards. Written on black bordered mourning stationery.
Free silver became a popular issue soon after the Panic of 1873 and lasted for much of the next quarter century. In 1896, it became the major issue of the presidential campaign when William Jennings Bryan made it the chief plank of his platform.
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