Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

Ulysees S. Grant. 1822-85, 18th President 1869-77. Manuscript "U.S. Grant" free frank signature as President on Executive imprint envelope with Secretary crossed out and addressed in his hand to Garrit Smith at Potsdam N.Y., "Long Branch N.J. Sep 4" cds, pencil "Try Peterboro", Extremely Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

A CHOICE GRANT FREE FRANK ON AN OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE ENVELOPE.

Long Branch N.J. was Grant's summer home.

Grant served in the Mexican War but made his mark in the Civil War. He won the first significant Union victory at Fort Donelson. At Shiloh, he took heavy losses but won and in July 1863, forced Vicksburg to surrender. He fought Lee throughout Virginia, including the Wilderness and Petersburg, and accepted his surrender at Appomattox. He won the 1868 Presidential election, and in office continued Reconstruction, signed a gold currency law, and saw the Panic of 1873. His administration was affected by several scandals though Grant was never involved. He was bankrupt in business but finished his memoirs a week before he died.