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Document 253873
JAMES A. GARFIELD. Autograph Telegram signed:
"J.A. Garfield" in pencil, 1p, 8½x5½. House of Representatives U.S.,
1877 December 14. To Hon. R.W. Thompson, Secretary of the Navy. In
full: "The Ohio friends of Lt. Commander Miller will be gratified if you
will call up the question of his promotion as soon as practicable." On a
telegraph form headed: "DEPARTMENTAL TELEGRAPH LINES". The telegraph lines
connected the House of Representatives with all the Executive Departments and
the Government Printing Office. Ohio Congressman JAMES ABRAM GARFIELD shows his
acuity by telegraphing this request to the Secretary of the Navy rather than
sending a letter, demonstrating the urgency of his message. Garfield himself
had served with distinction in the military. While attending Hiram College, he
was elected Lieutenant Colonel of a company attached to the 42d Ohio Infantry
Volunteers. Early in 1862, he was awarded a commission as Brigadier General for
routing Confederate forces from eastern Kentucky, and went on to serve with
distinction at the battles of Shiloh and Corinth. After becoming Chief of Staff
to Major General William Rosecrans, he saved the Army of the Cumberland from
disaster at Chickamauga by delivering an important dispatch after his horse was
shot out from under him. Garfield, promoted to Major General for his gallantry,
had been elected to Congress while on active duty. On May 24, 1844, Samuel F.B.
Morse had demonstrated his new invention the telegraph to Members of Congress
and distinguished guests. In the Old Supreme Court Room in the Senate Rotunda on
the first floor of the Capitol building, Morse successfully sent the message:
"What hath God wrought" to Baltimore, Maryland. Five days later, the first
political use of the telegraph occurred when news of Polk's nomination for
President was telegraphed from the convention in Baltimore to Washington. Barely
20 minutes after Polk's nomination, a telegram was sent from Washington to
Baltimore: "The Democratic members of Congress to their Democratic brethren in
convention assembled. Three cheers for James K. Polk." RICHARD W.
THOMPSON served as Hayes' Secretary of the Navy from March 12, 1877-December
19, 1880. Nailhead-size hole at blank center area. Chipped edges, creased
corners with lower right tip missing. Overall, fine condition.
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