40 - Lucretia Garfield Autograph Letter Signed on Garfield's Inauguration: "On the morning of March 5th we shall find ourselves alone in the White House"

Lucretia Garfield Autograph Letter Signed on Garfield's Inauguration: "On the morning of March 5th we shall find ourselves alone in the White House" ALS signed “L. R. Garfield,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 7.75, Lawnfield letterhead, February 9, 1881. Handwritten letter to Mrs. Sheldon, written as she made preparations for her husband's inauguration as president and their move to the White House. In part: "For several days the thought has been forcing itself upon me more and more that I have been too neglectful in making plans to give the new administration the proper start socially. On the morning of March 5th we shall find ourselves alone in the White House and that would be intolerable as well as unwise. Now General Garfield joins me in an invitation to you and General Sheldon to go with us and be our guests for several weeks. He says there are rooms enough, reserved at the hotel for us, to accommodate you there until after the inauguration and then go to the White House with us. We can accommodate two or three others there and I wish you would help me think of some lady or ladies whose knowledge of society and especially of Washington etiquette would be of advantage. Would Mrs. Taylor be suggested to your mind? Would her mourning be an objection? Surely as the wife of Bayard Taylor whose literary & national reputation as author and former minister to Germany is so esteemed, her position would command respect, besides she is a most lovable and attractive person. Please write me immediately in regard to it, and suggest any others who may come to your mind." She adds a postscript on the last page, signed "L.R.G.," in part: "P.S. Since finishing I have received yours of yesterday. Am glad the trimmings have arrived. Please send the bill when you write. Yesterday I had a letter from Mrs. Taylor. The dresses were not ready to be seen until Saturday but Mrs. Taylor thinks them very elegant. She said nothing about the satin, and I have written asking her to inquire about it. A telegram from our boys this P.M. was the first announcement the General received of the reaching of the electoral count. I am very thankful all has finally passed off so quietly." In fine condition. James A. Garfield’s inauguration on March 4, 1881, marked the beginning of his brief presidency, following a hard-fought election in which he won a narrow victory. The ceremony reflected the formal traditions of the era, with Garfield taking the oath of office on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, surrounded by political leaders, family, and dignitaries. Social preparations, overseen by his wife Lucretia, were carefully managed to ensure the new administration’s debut in Washington society was both graceful and well-received.