American lawyer (1841-1882) who, frustrated in his attempt to secure an ambassadorship, assassinated President James Garfield in 1881.
Autograph letter signed “Chas. J. Guiteau”, March 2, 1872, “Charles J. Guiteau / Atttorney and Counselor / (24 Marquand Building) / 59 & 61 Liberty Street” stationery, to George Scoville in Chicago, his brother-in-law and future lead counsel for his defense.
Shortly after moving to NY, Guiteau asks his brother-in-law for assistance in sending items to NY, mentioning his wife Annie’s wish that her easy chair be sent to their new address in NYC.
Guiteau's brother-in-law George Scoville - a real estate attorney - would become lead counsel for the defense after Guiteau assassinated Garfield, feeling obliged to represent his family member
Charles Guiteau became a law clerk in Chicago in 1868, and passed a cursory examination to attain admission to the bar. He was not successful as a lawyer, arguing only one case in court, and the bulk of his business was in bill collecting - though he often kept the money for himself, while informing his clients that the money was irretrievable. He would move to New York City in 1872, where he became involved in politics in Horace Greeley's campaign. This was the genesis of his diplomatic delusion, believing that he would be appointed as ambassador to Chile should Greeley be elected. An interesting, early letter from his law career and rare stationery from his NY office.
The letter was previously matted and there is a browning to the overall page, with the text block in a pronounced toned square. Edge bites to sides. There are folds and some wrinkles.
American lawyer (1841-1882) who, frustrated in his attempt to secure an ambassadorship, assassinated President James Garfield in 1881.
Autograph letter signed “Chas. J. Guiteau”, March 2, 1872, “Charles J. Guiteau / Atttorney and Counselor / (24 Marquand Building) / 59 & 61 Liberty Street” stationery, to George Scoville in Chicago, his brother-in-law and future lead counsel for his defense.
Shortly after moving to NY, Guiteau asks his brother-in-law for assistance in sending items to NY, mentioning his wife Annie’s wish that her easy chair be sent to their new address in NYC.
Guiteau's brother-in-law George Scoville - a real estate attorney - would become lead counsel for the defense after Guiteau assassinated Garfield, feeling obliged to represent his family member
Charles Guiteau became a law clerk in Chicago in 1868, and passed a cursory examination to attain admission to the bar. He was not successful as a lawyer, arguing only one case in court, and the bulk of his business was in bill collecting - though he often kept the money for himself, while informing his clients that the money was irretrievable. He would move to New York City in 1872, where he became involved in politics in Horace Greeley's campaign. This was the genesis of his diplomatic delusion, believing that he would be appointed as ambassador to Chile should Greeley be elected. An interesting, early letter from his law career and rare stationery from his NY office.
The letter was previously matted and there is a browning to the overall page, with the text block in a pronounced toned square. Edge bites to sides. There are folds and some wrinkles.
