President William McKinley Writes His Secretary of the Interior Approving an Appointment as Inspector of Timber

Cornelius N. Bliss was a partner in one of the largest wholesale dry-goods firms in the country. He was also chairman of the Republican committee in New York in 1887 and 1888, and contributed much to the success of the Benjamin Harrison ticket in his state in the 1888 election. He served as treasurer of the Republican National Committee from 1892 to 1904. He turned down the offer of becoming Secretary of the Treasury under President McKinley, but accepted the post of Secretary of the Interior, maintaining that position until February 1899. While in office, Bliss focused on forestry and Indian affairs. Offered by McKinley the vice presidential slot in his 1900 reelection campaign, he declined, so the nod went instead to Theodore Roosevelt. In 1904, Bliss was Roosevelt’s campaign manager.

Autograph note signed, on an Executive Mansion card, Washington, June 16, 1898, addressed to Bliss as “Secy. Interior”. He writes, “The Solicitor General informs me that you are disposed to appoint Henry Steele an Inspector of Timber. It will be extremely satisfactory if you can make such an appointment.” It is signed “W. McK.”

An uncommon note of McKinley as president, obtained by us from the Bliss descendants.