Correspondence: Charles Guiteau to William T. Sherman., 07/01/1881-07/02/1881

File — Box: 1, Folder: 3

Identifier: 42706

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Charles J. Guiteau collection consists of correspondence, affidavits and printed material by and about Guiteau, the notorious attorney who assassinated U.S. President James Abram Garfield on July 2, 1881. The assassination resulted in one of the most celebrated American 'insanity trials' of the nineteenth century, which became something of a legal milestone in the judgement of the criminally insane.

This collection has been digitized and is available to view online in DigitalGeorgetown.

Dates

07/01/1881-07/02/1881

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.20 Cubic Feet (1 Slim Document Case)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Container Summary

Contains ALS from Guiteau to General Sherman, folio, 1 page w/ envelope: @ "To General Sherman: I have just shot the President. I shot him several times as I wished him to go as easily as possible. His death was a political necessity. I am a lawyer, theologian, and politician. I am a stalwart of the Stalwarts. I was with Gen. Grant, and the rest of our men in New York during the canvass. I am going to the Jail. Please order out your troops and take possession of the Jail at once. Very respectfully, Charles Guiteau." @ On same folio, ANS note by Sherman addressed from "Headquarters of the Army, Washington, DC. July 2, 1881," in which he states that "I don't know the writer. Never heard of or saw him to my knowledge..."

Subjects and Associated Physical Materials

SHERMAN, WILLIAM T. - CORRES. RE GUITEAU, CHARLES J. 1881: Autographed Letter

GUITEAU, CHARLES J. - CORRES. TO SHERMAN, WILLIAM T. 1881: Autographed Letter

STALWARTS, REPUBLICAN PARTY & CHARLES J. GUITEAU - REFERENCE (1881): Autographed Letter

GRANT, ULYSSES S. - REFERENCE: Autographed Letter

REPUBLICAN PARTY - SEE ALSO: STALWARTS & CHARLES J. GUITEAU: Manuscript