President Benjamin Harrison Discusses a Letter Written by his Grandfather, William Henry Harrison

May 25, 1892

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President Benjamin Harrison Discusses a Letter Written by his Grandfather, William Henry Harrison
Autograph Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 1235

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      Background

      His great-grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence and his grandfather was the 9th President of the United States: few Americans can claim as distinguished a lineage as Benjamin Harrison. That history is the concern of this letter, as President Harrison handwrites his thanks to a noted autograph collector for having sent him a copy of a William Henry Harrison letter of “great family interest.” The letter, dated November 30, 1795, and written to then Lieutenant William Henry Harrison’s commanding General, “Mad Anthony” Wayne, may have had to do with the Lieutenant’s elopement and runaway marriage, just five days before: General Wayne - if not the bride’s father - had given Harrison his blessing. But whatever his grandfather’s letter to Wayne said, Harrison says he is glad to have it; that, and Guild’s friendly references to his Administration, as well.
      Autograph Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, octavo, Executive Mansion, Washington, May 25, 1892. To Curtis Guild, Sr., in Boston, Massachusetts.
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      May 25th 1892

      EXECUTIVE MANSION,
      WASHINGTON.

      My dear Sir

      I have yours of the 23rd inst inclosing a copy of an original letter of my Grandfather to Genl Wayne dated Nov 30 1795, which you say is in your possession. The letter is one of great family interest and I am glad to have seen even a copy.

      Very truly Yours

      BENJ HARRISON

      Let me thank you for your very friendly references to the Administration.

      To Curtis Guild Esq
      Boston Mass