First Ladies: LUCRETIA GARFIELD, EDITH B. WILSON

AutographsPresident Garfield's Widow Writes of His Final Hours!

(FIRST LADIES), LUCRETIA GARFIELD & EDITH BOLLING WILSON.
1. October 4, 1881, Autograph Letter Signed, "Lucretia R. Garfield," in brown ink on watermarked, fine-laid paper, 8" x 5", Mentor, [Ohio], Extremely Fine. Addressed to
"Mr. Thomas Niles", thanking him for sending her two books by Jean Ingelow, whose writings consoled her during President Garfield's lingering death. In part:
"The last book I read during the last days of the President's illness was her 'Fated to be Free'. I read it to occupy the hours when I was not sitting beside him lest my own thoughts would overcome my hope, & I laid the book down finished only a few hours before his spirit passed away. It startled me with a fear that the closing scene might be a prophecy. Alas! Alas!" She also signs her initials "L.R.G.", in a post-script on the back. Fabulous content, revealing Mrs. Garfield's hopes and fears about her husband's fated passing. Rare historical material!
2. February 7, 1931, Autograph Letter Signed, "Edith Bolling Wilson (Mrs. Woodrow Wilson)", in dark ink on Washington, D.C. personal stationery card, 4" x 5.25", Extremely Fine. Addressed to a supporter, thanking him for remembering "Mr. Wilson on Feb. 3rd... it touches me deeply to receive your gracious note..."
3. Undated Autograph Letter Signed, "Edith Bolling Wilson (Mrs. Woodrow Wilson)", in dark ink on Washington, D.C. personal stationery, 7" x 4.5", Extremely Fine. She writes to "Mr. Secretary", possibly of the Bureau of the Agricultural Department, thanking him for sending her weekly flowers, and assuring him "that the flowers will be a very genuine source of pleasure..." Very personal, intimate note.
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