U.S. Presidents & First Ladies
James Garfield
James A. Garfield, born in 1831 in Ohio, was a preacher, teacher and Civil War general who later served in the U.S. House of Representatives, though his tenure was affected by a finance scandal. He corresponded with education reformer Henry Barnard in 1869 while in Congress. Garfield emerged as a compromise candidate and was elected the 20th president in 1880. As president, he promoted civil service reform, especially in the Post Office, and supported rights for African Americans. Garfield was shot by a disgruntled office seeker and died from infection on September 19, 1881.
Placeholder
Washington
Jan. 31 ‘69
Honorable Henry Barnard
Dear Sir,
I suggest that you call on Mr. Washburne of Ills. Who is the leading member of the com. On Appropriations – and give him a statement of what has been done, and is being done in your Dept. I am of the opinion that the operations of your Dept. have been misrepresented to him, by some one hostile to the Dept. or to you. I do not think Mr. W. is opposed to the Dept. or its purposes – but is justly zealous for a retrenchment of all unnecessary expenditures. I believe that a full statement to him of the facts in reference to the Dept. will be kindly listened to – and will do good.
Very Respectfully,
J.A. Garfield
