The morning call., 1891-09-06

made by Mr.. James Campbell, who, when
called upon by Globe-Democrat represen-
tative. consented TO the publication of the
correspondence which ensued. The dis
cOvery was made by Mr.. Campbell in look
ing over the list of stockholders for the pur-
pose of sending out circular letters in the
interest of a candidate for the presidency of
the association, buying up the stock OF the
smaller and nonresident holders. General
Grant received one of these circulars. But
for this election contest he would probably
never have remembered having any stock in
the st. Louis Fair Grounds.
A BIG SUM TO HIM THEN.
These letters, three in number. give an
insight into one OF the most pathetic
periods Of General Grants life. one on
which an entire chapter might be written.
1t must have occasioned him some pain to
acknowledge that the small sum OF $50
was great deal to him then, but he makes
the statement with the same frankneSS and
directness that characterized his entire life.
The first letter is in answer to one from
Mr.. Campbell offering him S75 per share
for his two shares OF Fair Ground stock,
and is as follows:
LONG BRANCH, n. j., June 26. 1884.
Dear Sir: have your letter Of the 21st inst,
Offering me S75 per share for my two shares OF
ST. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Assocla-
ilon stock. L will gladly sell 1t 10 you for the
price offered. But l had long since forgotten
that held this stock, ana aow cannot find the
fer can be effected in the books OF the assOcia-
ton, which Will show that l am the owner of
two shares. Even the small sum of $3.50 is a
matter of great Importance TO me just now, when
everything has been swept from me. and / Will
be very glad If the transfer can be effected In
the books with (oup producing The certificates.
Very truly yours, U. 5. GRANT.
James Campbell, banker, ST. Louis, Mo.
To this Mr.. Campbell replied as follows,
giving instructions as to what was necessary
TO do to secure duplicate certificates:
ST. LOUIS. Mo-, June 80, 1884
General U. S. Grant, Long Branch, ". J.
DEAR SIR: Yours OF The 26th inst. is at hand
and noted. In order to secure duplicate GER
tI0cate for the Fair Grounds shares it win be
necessary for you to sign and have witnessed the
inclosed forms, also TO name TO me two respon-
sible parties who Will sign the bond for you as
suretfes. They must both live in ST. Louis. In
case you are unable to give me the names of par
ties who would act, will endeav0r 10 get them
myself AS soon as you return the lnclosed
forms properly signed. etc. and 1 VIII have
secured the duplicate certificate. viii forward
you my New York draft for $3.50. Yours re-
specIfuy, JAMES CAMPBELL
QUICKLY CLOSED.
That General Grant did really need the
small sum involved, and that without delay,
is evidenced by the promptness with which
he responded to this letter. His reply was
as follows, the power of attorney and bond
inclosed being merely in printed form
LONG BRANCH, n. j., July g. 1884
James Campbell, Banker aud Br0ker-DEAR
SIR. Herewith 4 Stuu you power OF attorney 10
transfer my two shares OF ST. Louis Far stock
ana bond TO be nlled out. The stock / have
transferred TO you. as we'll as making you at
torney II this Is not right you are authorized to
erase your name IN the first Instance and to sub
siitute Judge John f. Long. CavaDder s. Rowse,
no doubt, will sign my bond. III only one can
sign, then no doubt Judge Long. or most any OF
my numerous friends In ST. Louis, Will. Yours
truly, u D. 6RANT.
The transfer was as quickly made as pos
sible and the money sent on to New York,
as shown by the following letter:
ST. LOUIS, Mo-, July 8, 1884
General q. S. Grant, Long Branch ". j.
DEAR SIR: Your favor OF the Sd inst, with In
closures is at hand. l have secured the sigma
lures of Judge Long and Mr.. E. s. ROwse to the
bond and have filed same with the Secretary OF
the association. Enclosed hand y0n my check
No. 1857. for $3.50 on Messrs. Kelly & Little.
New York, In payment for the two shares. You
will please acknowledge receipt of same and
oblige yours respectfully, JAMES CAMPBELL.
General Grants receipt came back prompt
ly, as follows:
LONG BRANCH. N. ". July IL. 1884.
James Campbell, Bdnher-DEAR SIR: Your
letter Of the Sth inst. including check for $50
In payment OF Two shares of 81. Louis Agricul-
Yours, etc, U. 5. GRANT.
VALUE OF THE LETTERS.
Mr.. Campbell has preserved The letters
very carefully, and cannot be induced to
part with them, unless it be to present them
TO the family or some public institution,
where they will be given the same jealous
care. A strange thing in connection with
them Is that he has been bid 500 for each
OF the letters. or just double what Genera,
Grant received for the stock to which they
relate. Little did the old veteran imagine
when he penned them, and when he spoke of
the relief the small sum would give him, that
within very few years of his death the let
tiers would BIO regarded as of such value.
The writing is all in his own hand, and as
will he seen by the fac-simile herewith. is
rather effeminate for man of such force of
character