Hiram, O., October 3, 1865.
My Dear Corydon: — Your welcome letter of the 26th is
received. It finds me at home, and, for the time being, a cripple. Four weeks
ago I sprained my ankle precisely where it was sprained thirteen years ago,
when we roomed together. You remember what a long siege I had with it then. I
have not yet been able to use it, more than to bear a part of my weight upon
it, and the rest on a cane. Indeed, I have had some fear that, in view of the
former hurt in the same joint, it would be permanently injured, but I hope not.
I am greatly distressed to hear that your health is failing,
so much so that you are compelled to resign your position in Washington. I beg
of you to take all pains to restore your health first of all.
I was hard at work in the State campaign when my accident
occurred. Since then I have made no speeches, nor shall I be able to make any
more during the campaign. The early part of the season I was engaged in the oil
business, and hope yet to realize something from my investments in that direction.
I am trying to do a good deal of reading to prepare myself for the struggle
which will be upon us when the 39th Congress meets. I look forward with great
anxiety, not unmixed with alarm, at the signs of the times in the immediate
political future. I fear that President Johnson is going too fast on the road
toward reorganization. I fear it leads too far into rebeldom. I agree with you,
that it would at least be decent to wait until the grass is green on the graves
of our murdered patriots.
Your letter has made me very anxious for you. Be assured, my
dear brother, that I cherish the same old love, and my heart responds as ever
to all your joys and sorrows. With all my heart I am, as ever,
Your brother,
James.
P. S. — “John Jordan” came to hand a few' days ago. It was
news to me in many particulars. Such is “rags and lampblack” fame.
J. A. G.
SOURCE: Corydon Eustathius Fuller, Reminiscences of
James A. Garfield: With Notes Preliminary and Collateral, p. 392-3
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