“THE FIGHT FOR THE SENATE NEXT YEAR WILL BE A VERY DESPERATE ONE”
HARRISON, BENJAMIN. (1833-1901). Twenty-third President of the United States; after Civil War, resumed law practice at Indianapolis; U.S. Senator (1881-87). Important Autograph Letter Signed, “Benj. Harrison”, on imprinted United States Senate / Washington, D.C. stationery. Three very full pages, octavo. Indianapolis, Ind[iana]. May 5, 1885. To: “A.C. Dailey Esq., Lebanon, Indianapolis”. Headed “Personal” in Harrison’s hand. He writes:
“My dear Sir: the fight for the Senate next year will be a very desperate one but after a very careful consultation over the new Districts we have concluded that with the right sort of work it may be won. We must have the messages from Boone – now the first thing to be considered is who is your strongest man. We must have some one who can hold my Republican vote, and also draw from the Green Jackson and Democrats. When you have found the man, he must be made to take the race. This is not too early to be canvassing the nomination, and I hope you will find time to give the matter some thought to consult with other Republicans. I do not quite like the idea of naming a Grandfather for our candidate if it can be avoided – but if that should be necessary then you must be very careful about the man. If we should win by a scratch, we do not want to have one or two others dictate the nomination in the Country. Will you please let me know what you think about all this – or if you are in the city come up and talk the matter soon. I am in a position where I must make this fight, and if my friends will help me we will make it a hot one. Very Sincerely Yours, Benj. Harrison.
P.S. I have some Agricultural Reports and other public docs for distribution and if you will send me a few names of Democrats who are not too set in their ways, I will send them some. ”
Just an exceptional political letter from Harrison, who would occupy the Oval Office in four years, illustrating that the politics of yester-year were very much similar to today’s contests. Letters of this quality, from his pen are rarely encountered.
$3700.00
