Letter from Ulysses S. Grant (letterhead: Executive Mansion, Washington, D.C.) to Joseph Medill, 1872-02-01

This letter is replaced by a photocopy. The original letter is in series IX-63, box 1, folder 12: "Your letter of the 21st ult. tendering your resignation as a member of the Advisory Board on Civil Service was duly received. No action has been taken in the matter here to fore because I do not care to act without consulting the other members first. ... It is my intention that Civil Service reform shall have a fair trial. The great defect in the past custom is that Executive patronage had come to be regarded as the property of individuals of the party in power. ... So manyj people are writting to us that I will close without saying some things which I might like to say. Mrs. Medill and daughter arrived here Tuesday evening, well, but somewhat fatigued some nine hours behind tiome. They are now fully rested however and seem to be enjoying themselves as well as could be expected."