Very Uncommon Letter From One President to Another

Part of the job of any Congressman, then and now, has been to assist constituents. And in the days before the Civil Service, aiding constituents to get government jobs was a big part of that responsibility. John J. Williams was an attorney in Marion, Ohio, and his representative was Congressman James A. Garfield. When a judgeship came vacant in one of the U.S. territories, Garfield brought Williams’ name to the attention of the man making the appointment to fill the post – President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Letter signed, on his House of Representatives letterhead, Washington, December 25, 1879 to President Hayes, recommending Williams, while making clear he does not actually know him. “l learn that Hon. John J. Williams of Marion, Ohio, is about to apply for a Territorial Judgeship. He is commended to me by the Revered S. D. Bates a prominent citizen of Marion as a gentleman every way worthy of the confidence of the Government and fully qualified by professional ability and experience to fill the position he seeks. On the strength of his testimonial, I cordially commend him to your favorable consideration.”

Williams did not get the appointment, and here is perhaps the reason why. A local historian relates: “John J. Williams a graduate of Franklin college, came to Marion as principal of the Marion Academy in 1839, afterwards practiced law for many years, and was a member of the State Senate one term. On Dec. 18, 1861, he was commissioned major of the 64th O. V. I., was promoted to lieutenant -colonel, and resigned Aug. 10, 1862. He did not take kindly to teaching, nor to the law, nor was he a shining success as an army officer…”