This week’s instalment from Masonic Periodicals Online comes from The Freemason's Chronicle, 28 January, 1882, where we find on page 89 a small acknowledgement of correspondence between the freemasons of West Riding of Yorkshire and the widow of the late US President James A Garfield.

James Abram Garfield (1831 – 1881) was the 20th President of the United States, serving from 4 March, 1881, until his death by assassination six and a half months later. He is the only sitting member of the United States House of Representatives to be elected to the presidency. A successful army and political career behind him, he championed education, technological advancement and civil rights for African Americans. Garfield was assassinated in 1881 by a delusional political office seeker, who was later executed for the crime. As a freemason Garfield was initiated in Magnolia Lodge, Ohio in 1861, later joining several lodges in Ohio and the District of Columbia.

Garfield, Pres. James. [Between 1870 and 1880] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2017893248/>
Garfield, Mrs. James, wife of President Garfield. [Between 1870 and 1880] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2017893388/>

'THE LATE PRESIDENT GARFIELD.

Cleveland, Ohio. December 28th, 1881.

Mrs. Garfield has received from the Freemasons of the West Riding of Yorkshire, through their Grand Master, Lieut.-Colonel Sir Henry Edwards, Bart., C.B., D.L., &c, &c, their letter of sympathy with her in her great bereavement.

The sincere and respectful condolence tendered her by so large a body of sympathising friends in a foreign land, have filled her heart with gratitude and thankfulness, of which this note of acknowledgment must be accepted as an inadequate expression.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Henry Edwards, Bart., C.B., D.L., &c Pyenest, Halifax, England. Received 20th January 1882 .'