Signed letter, Feb 9, 1882, on a rare example of Executive Mansion mourning stationery. Arthur acknowledges a letter from Civil War General Henry Warner Slocum. The letter measures 5.75 x 9.25 and has two mailing folds, one running horizontally through Arthur’s large signature.
Garfield died in September 19,1881. Arthur did not move into the Executive Mansion until December 7, 1881. The slow transition allowed the Garfields to move out their convenience, then to accommodate some redecorating of living areas. Arthur first used mourning stationery simply printed as “Washington”, perhaps while he was living and working outside of the mansion. He then used the “Executive Mansion/ Washington” stationery for a short while before the mourning period ended. Auction sales make it difficult to tell which form Arthur used for most of his letters during that time but reinforce one fact. Arthur letters, already uncommon as president, are rarely found on official mourning stationery and far less available than even the rare black bordered Executive Mansion signature cards.
Signed letter, Feb 9, 1882, on a rare example of Executive Mansion mourning stationery. Arthur acknowledges a letter from Civil War General Henry Warner Slocum. The letter measures 5.75 x 9.25 and has two mailing folds, one running horizontally through Arthur’s large signature.
Garfield died in September 19,1881. Arthur did not move into the Executive Mansion until December 7, 1881. The slow transition allowed the Garfields to move out their convenience, then to accommodate some redecorating of living areas. Arthur first used mourning stationery simply printed as “Washington”, perhaps while he was living and working outside of the mansion. He then used the “Executive Mansion/ Washington” stationery for a short while before the mourning period ended. Auction sales make it difficult to tell which form Arthur used for most of his letters during that time but reinforce one fact. Arthur letters, already uncommon as president, are rarely found on official mourning stationery and far less available than even the rare black bordered Executive Mansion signature cards.