Title:
James A. Garfield LS — March 13, 1872 Letter Signed as Congressman Recommending Civil War Veteran Who Served in His Regiment to Ohio Governor— PSA/DNA Certified Autograph (Cert. #85786367)

Description:
Offered here is an

 Letter Signed (LS) by James A. Garfield, dated Washington, D.C., March 13, 1872, written while Garfield was serving as a U.S. Congressman from Ohio. The handwritten letter appears on lined paper and is addressed to “His Excellency Governor Noyes, State of Ohio,” referring to Governor Edward Follansbee Noyes, who served as Ohio’s governor from 1872 to 1874.

Garfield writes in support of a former Civil War associate, recommending him for appointment as Superintendent of Insurance under the new state law. The letter reads in full:

“Washington D.C.
March 13 – 1872

To
His Excellency
Governor Noyes
State of Ohio

Dear Sir: Permit me to introduce my friend and fellow soldier Capt. A. Gardner Jr. He served with great credit as a member of my regiment and is a worthy and honorable man.

He has been for many years engaged with the business of insurance and is very familiar with its details. He is a candidate for appointment as Supt. of Insurance under the new law.

I do not think there is any candidate from my District, and if not, I am free to recommend him, as every way competent for the position.

Very Truly Yours
J. A. Garfield”

The letter exhibits normal fold lines, scattered toning, and light areas of paper wear consistent with a working 19th-century document. Garfield’s signature, “J. A. Garfield,” appears boldly at the conclusion of the letter in dark ink.

The document has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with the holder label reading “Letter – James A. Garfield – PSA/DNA Certified – Authentic Auto.” The PSA certification number is 85786367.

Historical Context:
James Abram Garfield (1831–1881) served as a Union general during the American Civil War before entering national politics as a Republican Congressman from Ohio, a position he held for nearly two decades beginning in 1863. During this period Garfield became known for his advocacy of Reconstruction policies, civil service reform, and strong federal governance.

The 1872 date places this letter during Garfield’s influential congressional career, when he frequently corresponded with political leaders and officials regarding appointments and recommendations for government positions. His reference to a “fellow soldier” from his regiment reflects Garfield’s Civil War background; he had served as a brigadier general in the Union Army and maintained strong ties with former comrades.

Garfield would later be elected the 20th President of the United States in 1880, though his presidency was tragically cut short after he was assassinated in 1881. Surviving signed letters from Garfield’s congressional period provide insight into both his military relationships and the political patronage system of the post-Civil War era.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
The letter has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA.

• Signer: James A. Garfield

• Document Type: Letter Signed (LS)

• Date: March 13, 1872

• PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85786367

• Designation: Authentic Autograph

The PSA tamper-evident holder ensures preservation and provides secure archival storage for the historic document.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
Autograph letters from President James A. Garfield are prized among collectors for their connection to the Civil War generation of American leadership. This 1872 handwritten recommendation letter, referencing Garfield’s wartime service and political influence in Ohio, offers a compelling historical artifact linking his military past, congressional career, and eventual rise to the presidency.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.