Autograph Courtesy Card

np, 1880. Fine - clean, collectible.. SIGNED "J A Garfield / Nov 2, 1880" with authentication note on verso, "written on his day of election - & very first rate for President / C. Hines" <br /> <br /> The uniqueness of this card is that it was signed on Garfield's election day to the position of President of the United States. Garfield, the 20th President, lasted just 200 days, March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, as a result of being shot by assassin Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. Includes period cabinet card by Chapman, Smith with advertising on the rear.<br /> <br /> James A. Garfield, (Nov 19, 1831 - Sep 19, 1881) was nominated on the 36th ballot of the Republican Convention as a compromise candidate. He was a Union General during the Civil War serving with distinction at the battles of Shiloh and Chickamauga. Elected to Congress from Ohio in 1862, he is the only President to be elected as sitting Congressman. In his very short tenure he was a reformer and anti-corruption crusader. "Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption." - James A. Garfield.