John Sherman Handwritten Speech Accepting Nomination as President Pro Tempore of the Senate

Senator Sherman’s reading copy of his speech accepting his nomination as president pro tempore of the Senate, making him next in line to the presidency

Unsigned handwritten manuscript, one page, 5 x 8, [December 5, 1885]. Sherman's reading copy of his speech delivered before the Senate upon his appointment as president pro tempore. In full:

Senators, I return you my hearty thanks for the high honor you propose to confer upon me. Your choice no doubt has been influenced by the fact that I have long been a Member of the Senate. Still my duties hitherto have not given me the practical experience necessary for a good Presiding officer. I can only say in accepting the position assigned me that I will do all I can fairly and impartially to observe and enforce the rules of the Senate—and shall rely greatly upon your forbearance and courtesy.

In fine condition, with light scattered soiling and wrinkling from adhesive, and an erased pencil notation to the bottom. Affixed to a slightly larger cardstock sheet.

Accompanied by a copy of an article from the following day's New York Times, which quotes his speech in full. Vice President Thomas A. Hendricks had passed away, making the president pro tempore next in the line of succession.