Infamous Confederate 1876 South Carolina Governor Election (governor Als Letter) For Sale

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1876 South Carolina Gubernatorial Election - IMPORTANT BACKGROUND:

The months leading up to the election of 1876 in South Carolina were rife with tension. Violence was ever present and groups of armed men, calling themselves "rifle clubs," roamed the countryside. Supporters of the Democratic Party, they would often break up Republican meetings and intimidate Republican voters, both white and black. Black Republicans would often do the same toward black Democrats, Freedmen disillusioned with the corruption and broken promises of the Republican Party. Gen. Thomas Ruger was tasked with assisting Governor Daniel Chamberlain and the United States Marshals in keeping the peace.Under the watchful eyes of U. S. troops, who had been placed at various polls throughout the state, Election Day came and went with little event. The result of the gubernatorial election, however, was anything but peaceful. In the first days of ballot counting, it appeared that Republican incumbent Daniel Chamberlain would win a second term, but by Thursday Democratic challenger (and South Carolina's favorite son) Wade Hampton III took the lead. Hampton declared a victory, but Chamberlain claimed voter fraud due to stuffed ballots in Edgefield and Laurens Counties. As a result, the Board of Canvassers was unable to certify the election. President Grant declared Chamberlain governor and the State Supreme Court proclaimed Hampton the victor. In addition to the gubernatorial mess, two separate Houses of Representatives convened, one Democratic and one Republican, both claiming legitimacy.

***1876 South Carolina Gubernatorial Election***

Deemed "The Election of Turmoil for the State of SC"

Governor Daniel H. Chamberlain - Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), with Autograph Note Signed by Thomas Ruger on verso: November 29, 1876, to General Thomas H. Ruger asking him toguard himat his house. On verso is a handwritten and signed noteby Gen. Thomas Ruger. Written on official "State of South Carolina: Executive Chamber" letterhead. Dimensions are approx. 8 x 11 inches. Very good condition.

The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Gen.: If one of your officers can guard the night at my house tonight it will be a satisfaction tome and my wife, who is not well.have first receivedthe encolosed.I wish you would call at my house, if possible [for security purposes; Ruger and his men guarded Gov. Chamberlain during this time of turmoil].

Yours very truly,

D. H. Chamberlain"

On verso, Gen. Ruger writes in his hand that "If any officer is willing to go, I have no objection. Please keep this note. Thos. H. Ruger, Col.".

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