Title:
1881 Autograph Letter Signed by General William T. Sherman on Behalf of the National Garfield Memorial Hospital, Created after the Late President's Assassination – Donation Acknowledgment as Executive Committee Chairman

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Description:
Presented is an original Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by General William Tecumseh Sherman, written on Headquarters Army of the United States letterhead and dated December 2, 1881. Signed "W. T. Sherman", the letter is addressed to an unnamed supporter of the proposed National Garfield Memorial Hospital, acknowledging receipt of a $25 donation toward the cause.

Sherman writes:

“Yours of Dec. 1, with check of $25 for the Garfield Hospital is rec’d, and will be handed to Treasurer Gilfillan tonight at our meeting. He will doubtless also acknowledge receipt as that is his business, not mine.”

The letter measures 5" x 8", is penned in bold ink, and remains in fine condition, with only trivial paper loss to the left margin not affecting content or legibility.

Also included are:

• An engraved portrait of Sherman bearing his preprinted facsimile signature.

• A modern reproduction of Sherman’s printed fundraising appeal as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the hospital, dated October 1881.

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Historical Context:
In the wake of President James A. Garfield’s assassination in 1881, national mourning gave rise to multiple memorial efforts. One of the most significant was the Garfield Memorial Hospital, intended as a lasting tribute to the fallen president through public service.

General William T. Sherman, Civil War hero and Commanding General of the U.S. Army (retired), took on a prominent civilian role as Chairman of the Executive Committee behind the hospital initiative. His leadership lent immense credibility and visibility to the campaign. This letter captures Sherman fulfilling that duty, acknowledging grassroots support and managing donor correspondence.

The quoted printed appeal, attributed to Sherman, reads in part:

“The Memorial designed, that of a National Hospital, to be located in the District of Columbia, to be known forever by his name, is most suitable and appropriate… Contributions, small and great, are solicited… He gives twice who gives quickly.”

The Garfield Memorial Hospital was ultimately founded in 1882 in Washington, D.C., serving the community for decades until its closure in 1960. It later became part of what is now MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

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Closing Appeal:
This letter offers a rare and tangible link between General Sherman and the national effort to honor President Garfield. As a signed artifact of public service, it reflects the post-war civic leadership of a legendary military figure and documents his involvement in a key moment of American commemorative history. Enhanced by the accompanying portrait and printed appeal, this piece makes a compelling addition to collections focused on Civil War figures, presidential memorials, and 19th-century American philanthropy.