Original July 21, 1884 handwritten letter signed by William Lawrence, former Ohio congressman and First Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury, addressed directly to President Chester A. Arthur. Lawrence recommends Edwin Moody of New York for commissioner of the newly established federal Bureau of Labor, created by legislation signed by Arthur just 24 days earlier. The letter bears Department of the Interior stationery and an October 18, 1884 Appointment Division receiving stamp, documenting an early presidential appointment recommendation involving the predecessor of today's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Original bifolium measures approximately 8" × 5" folded, with period folds, light toning, and minor handling wear.