HILLSDALE COLLEGE PRESIDENTIAL LETTER

An 1869 ALS From Vice-President Schuyler Colfax to Hillsdale College President Edmund Burke Fairfield, July 7, 1869

Autograph letter (dateline South Bend, Indiana, July 7, 1869) signed by sitting Vice-President Schuyler Colfax to President of Hillsdale College, Edmund Burke Fairfield. Hillsdale had recently conferred upon Colfax an L.L.D. Degree.

Colfax writes,

South Bend, Ind.

July 7, 1869

My Dear Sir,

On my return home, I find the official announcement of the conferment upon me of the degree of L.L.D. by Hillsdale College and the cordial & friendly letter accompanying it from yourself. I know nothing of what ____ demands in cases of this kind, but will rely upon your exprefsing my thanks to the Trustees who have thus honored me, with the hope that nothing shall ever occur in my future life which shall cause them to regret this signal evidence of their confidence and regard.

Truly ___ friendly

Schuyler Colvax

Hon. E.B. Fairfield

Schuyler Colfax served as Vice President from 1869-1873 and was a key founder of the Republican Party. Prior, Colfax was the 25th speaker of the House of Representatives from 1863 to 1869.

Edmund Burke Fairfield variously served as a minister, educator and politician. From 1848 to 1869 Fairfield was President of Hillsdale College, later serving 6 years as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska. He also was elected Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 1859 to 1861. 

Single leaf measures 8 x 5, recto only with previous folds. Light border tanning on verso edges. Overall very legible and in vg cond.