This thank you note, which politely rejects a gift from someone doing business with the Interstate Commerce Commission.1)Harvey Couch, who send the gift basket, ran one of the South’s largest railways. Charles’ note represents his measured, highly ethical ways as a Federal official. I am not certain the rules at the time. Today a government staffer cannot accept such a gift–but Charles had his own set of ethics in any case. He would not be played by anyone.
Through his extensive correspondence, his personal and professional ethics shine through. He is measured, cautious, clear, and polite in, routinely, indicating things that he can and cannot do. He is willing and able to write letters of recommendation for people, and, in a sense, use his influence that way, but he is scrupulous in most matters, especially financial ones.
[FUN FACT] Charles had this pass he could flash to get priority access to a seat on any train, any time, to travel at the “fastest possible means”. The pass is from World War II, but Charles had ready access to train travel throughout his ICC career. The ICC regulated U.S. railways, and railway travel was the main way of getting around the United States in those decades. I don’t know if it was routine or met his ethical standards, outside national defense needs, for him to accept free rail travel. My grandmother intimated that he could and did.
This is one of a series of posts that explore the life of Charles D. Mahaffie, Sr. through family memories and items from a family archive. Charles was the author’s grandfather. He left a remarkable collection of papers, photos, and mementos which offer a lens through which to explore his life and legacies. For the full collection, click here.
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