The Edward H. Butler Family Papers Collection
[1880-1956]
N/A
E. H. Butler Senior; Mrs. E. H. Butler Senior; E. H. Butler, Jr.; Kate Robinson Bulter; Buffalo Evening News
Kate Butler Wallace, 1977; Buffalo Evening News, 1985; Buffalo Evening News, 1987
1977; 1985; 1987
250 linear ft.
English
Archives & Special Collections Department, E. H. Butler Library, SUNY Buffalo State
Sister Martin Joseph Jones, 1987-1991; original processing notes, finding aids, and inventories are available within the Archives & Special Collections Department upon request.
In 1996 the Buffalo News donated 10 letters written by Grover Cleveland to Edward H. Butler, Sr. to the E. H. Butler Library Archives. These letters are personal commentaries on problems of the day. The letter reproduced here traces Cleveland's concern about a scandal involving him on his chances for nomination as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States (a local newspaper had published a story accusing Cleveland of fathering an illegitimate child).
My dear Sir:
I was much pleased with your letter.
I have felt very much outraged by this infamous scandal and under advice have kept quiet though it has been hard to resist the inclination to speak.
One thing surprises me. How on earth could a boy with no friends but his industry reach the place at the bar, among the people, be begged to accept the nomination for mayor, be elected by an immense majority regardless of party, perform the duties well, be nominated and elected governor, receive the plaudits of all the good men of the State, and in all these things, work hard, and yet be a drunken debaucher? Some things are too ridiculous for belief; and it did seem to me that this was one of them. I see somewhere printed, a letter in which the editor of the Telegraph is called "a Christian gentleman." I should think that would make any Buffalo man laugh.
I shall write as you suggested to Mr. Jones. A friend such as he has proved himself to be should be fully appreciated.
I am always glad to hear from you.
Yours Sincerely,
/s/ Grover Cleveland