Garfield, James A. (James Abram) (1831-1881) to Wallace J. Ford
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04069 Author/Creator: Garfield, James A. (James Abram) (1831-1881) Place Written: Camp Chase, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 August 1861 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 25 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Camp Chase was located in Columbus, Ohio. Lieutenant Colonel Garfield replies to a letter from Ford, apparently serving as his personal secretary. Discusses buying a horse, stating "From what I have seen since I came into camp I am satisfied that I must have a much better horse than I at first intended- to be up front with the times- From what you say of the old horse he is just what I want... I know enough of the service to know that I must have a no 1 horse at whatever cost- So reckon the old horse mine." Instructs Ford regarding sale of a carriage and "Billy," perhaps another horse. Inquires as to the price of revolvers.
Garfield was a general during the Civil War, United States Representative from Ohio 1863-1880, and President of the United States in 1881. Ford served many years earlier as Garfield's personal secretary. He had connections to Eureka College in Illinois, serving on the Board of Trustees from 1883 to 1907.
Camp Chase Aug 30, 1861
Dear Wallace,
Yours of yesterday is recd - I dont want you to think I expected to get any such horse as the stallion for $150 - nor that I would refuse to pay more - From what I have seen since I came into camp I am satisfied that I must have a much better horse than I at first intended - to be up with the times - From what you say of the old horse he is just what I want, I am riding a good deal every day both for duty and experience - and I know enough of the service to know that I must have a no 1 horse at whatever cost - So reckon the old horse mine -
Concerning the Carriage & Billy - I dislike to let them go at such figures but perhaps it will be no better in six months - & so let them go at your discretion - I want you to do about as you please [2] in all these matters. When do you think I had better come home. I can fix it at anytime within the next three weeks - I can get a fine rig for the horse - [struck: saddle] complete for $50 - Do you think I can do better in Cleveland? Will you also enquire the price of Colts navy revolvers?
I hope to hear from you often - I am very busy -
Truly Yours
J. A. Garfield
[envelope]
J.A. Garfield
Aug 30th,, 1861
W. J. Ford Esqr
Cleveland
O.
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