Description:

Chester Arthur
New York, NY, June 24, 1864
Chester A. Arthur Lengthy War-Dated ALS to Sister Re: Brother Wounded in Action, Incredible!
ALS

A 3pp holograph letter signed "Chester" from future President Chester A. Arthur to his older sister, Regina. Measuring 5.25" x 8", New York, NY, June 24, 1864. Written on stationary from his early law office with Henry Gardiner, Arthur discusses a recent stint in Washington where colleagues were praising their brother William, a Union officer. Together with its original mailing envelope addressed in Arthur's hand to "Mrs. R. M. Caw". Exhibits light age toning and expected letter folds throughout. Evidence of archival restoration at folds along front outside edge, and again at middle fold on verso. Very minor staining at middle of interior, not affecting visibility of text. Otherwise, very good with interesting contents.

Reading in full:

"Dear Regina,
Your note of yesterday reached me this morning. I hasten to send you what I can conveniently share now & shall be glad to add more to it soon, if I can. I enclose check for $100 payable to Mr. Caw's order. I had thought of such a thing myself & should have proposed it whenever I saw you this summer. I have just returned from Washington where I have spent most of the time for the last seven weeks.
I heard about William frequently while there from officers who knew him & from soldiers of his regiment & they all spoke in the highest praise of his conduct in the recent battles. I have had three letters from him, the last one dated 19th June. He was safe & well up to that date.
Nell is quite well. She has a great deal on her hands today as we expect to change our quarters tomorrow. With much love for Mother and all the rest of you."

Major William Arthur Jr. (1834-1915) was the seventh child of Malvina Stone and William Arthur. He saw considerable service throughout the Civil War, having been present at the battles of Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Ream's Station. It was during the latter conflict where he was severely wounded in the face, just weeks after his brother had last heard from him. Arthur was later honorably mustered out on April 6, 1865, but continued to serve until his retirement in 1898 with the brevet rank of lieutenant colonel and permanent rank of major.

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.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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