President Benjamin Harrison Writes Railroad Magnate Chauncey DePew Requesting a Private Car for His Sick Sister-in-law

Though there is a date of 1891 marked in an unknown hand at the top, it would seem likely that the sick woman is the sister of Harrison’s second wife, Mary Scott Lord who was the widow of Walter E. Dimmick, especially since a name is crossed out by Harrison which looks like it was “Mrs. Lord.” Mary Lord married Benjamin in 1896 after his presidency, thus the date is uncertain. DePew was President of the New York Central from 1885 to 1898 after which he became a U.S. Senator.

Autograph Telegram Signed, no date, to Chauncey DePew at the New York Central Railroad Office in New York. “My wife’s sister is ill at Stamford, Conn. and I would like to have a special car with a bed to bring her to New York tomorrow or Friday. If you can arrange for it advise Mrs. Mary Dimmick care of Mr. Leeds, Stamford and they will name the time. Please have the R.R. send bill of expenses to me and greatly oblige me. Benj. Harrison. Charge my account.”