Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881 to Lionel A. Sheldon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03605 Author/Creator: Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 December 1866 Pagination: 3 p. : 2 envelopes; 25.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Garfield, then a U.S. congressman from Ohio, discusses reconstruction and the refusal of the southern states to ratify the 14th amendment, which had been drafted to combat opposition to federal policies towards freedpeople. He writes, "It is a great pity that the southern states do not adopt the Constitutional amendment." States that if they would adopt it, reconstruction could be completed before the end of winter. Remarks that stronger measures are needed against the south if they do not adopt it, "Even to the extent of declaring the southern states reduced to territories and organizing governments for them, based on universal suffrage." Discusses moves to strengthen the power of congress. He hopes that President Andrew Johnson and his cabinet will accept the necessity of Congressional action and states, " ... but it is yet a question whether they will have the manhood to come down gracefully and obey the voice of the people." On official letterhead of the 38th Congress, Washington City. With two "House of Representatives," envelopes. One self-addressed and bearing his free frank the other unrelated.
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