Hayes Rutherford

Rutherford B. Hayes Pardons Colorado Banker Convicted of White Collar Crime

1p document signed by sitting 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) as "RBHayes" at lower right. Signed in Washington, D.C. on January 22, 1880. The document, which is partly printed and partly secretarially inscribed, is on pale blue bifold paper. Blank interior pages, and docketed on the last page. Expected light folds, else near fine. 7.875" x 9.875".

In full:

"I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to a warrant for the pardon of H.A. McIntire dated this day, and signed by me; and for so doing shall be his warrant.

[signed] RBHayes

Washington, 22 Jany. 1880."

Harry McIntire had been an officer in the First National Bank of Colorado Springs as well as a hotel manager before he fell afoul of the law. The exact reasons behind his conviction in the 1860s are unclear, but it might have been embezzlement or a defaulted loan. According to McIntire's direct descendant, the Governors of Colorado and Nebraska petitioned President Hayes for McIntire's release. After his pardon, Harry became "Henry" and relocated to Denver. [See the attached article, Tom Van Warner, "Sleuth tells history of maligned local businessman" as published in Vol. 14, No. 10, October 4, 2014 issue of Our Community News, Palmer Lakes, Colorado].

President Grant pardoned or commuted the sentences of 893 individuals including H.A. McIntire during his four-year-long presidency, from 1877-1881.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!