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Acting Sec'y of State About Garfield's Condition (James A. Garfield) The Acting Secretary of State G

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Acting Sec'y of State About Garfield's Condition (James A. Garfield) The Acting Secretary of State G
<B>(James A. Garfield) The Acting Secretary of State Gives a Falsely Optimistic Report of the President's Medical Condition.</B></I> One page Letter Signed, 2 sides, measuring 12" x 7.5", written from the Department of State in Washington, September 13, 1881, six days before the president's death. The letter signed by Robert Hitt reads in full, "Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 30th ... in which you express your profound gratification to hear of the improved condition of the President and your hopes that the improvement will continue uninterrupted until his complete recovery. In reply I beg to assure you that the warm expressions of your note are highly appreciated. I am glad to be able to say that the prospects of the President's recovery are now considered brighter than at the date of your communication. Accept sir, a renewed assurance of my very high consideration. Robert R. Hitt, Acting Secretary." On July 2, 1881, Garfield was shot in a Washington railroad station by an embittered attorney who had sought a consular post. Mortally wounded, Garfield lay in the White House because doctor's were unable to remove the bullet. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, tried unsuccessfully to find the bullet with an induction-balance electrical device that he had designed. On September 6, Garfield was taken to the New Jersey seaside. For a few days he seemed to be recuperating, but on September 19, 1881, he died from an infection and internal hemorrhage.