Description:

Only weeks before Robert E. Lee's surrender, General Grant tells Major General Ord "to be extra watchful during the continuance of present high water..." – Grant was concerned that the rebels would take advantage of high water on the James and Appomattox rivers and attack with ram warships

ULYSSES S. GRANT (1822-1885) Autograph Telegram Signed "U.S Grant / Lt. Gen.," 1p, 7.5" x 8.5". City Point, Virginia, February 25, 1865. To Major General E.O.C. Ord. Toned at perimeter from prior framing, minor mounting remnants on verso at edges. On laid paper. Fine condition.

In full, "Troops on the Bermuda front, as well as those on your extreme right should be notified to be extra watchful during the continuance of present high water." The Bermuda front was on a peninsula between the James and Appomattox Rivers.

Published in "The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant: February 21-April 30, 1865" and "The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies."

On February 25, 1865, General Grant first telegraphed Major General Edward O.C. Ord, in full, "Early is said to have moved down the nine mile road yesterday & to be occupying now a large field, or race course between the York river & Fredericksburg roads. This may indicate an advance of the rebel rams & an attack on you. Great vigilance ought to be observed on your right, & in case of firing on the river every man should be got under arms & in his place."

The second telegram sent to Ord that same day is the telegram here offered. It was followed, also on February 25, 1865, by a third telegram, in full, "Charge officers commanding pickets on the river to keep a close lookout for the enemy's rams to-night. They may take advantage of present high water to pay us another visit."

Ord replied to General Grant from Headquarters Army of the James, in full, "Deserters corroborate report as to the evacuation going on of Petersburg. One says that Colonel Elliott, Twenty-fifth Virginia, told the men they could see the advantage of it soon – The rumor prevails in rebel camp that Hill's corps has gone, or is leaving for Beauregard. I will be down to see you this evening. General Turner's report not favorable." Grant then telegraphed Ord, "Do not come down to-night."

Accompanied by an engraved portrait of General Grant, 6" x 8.5" overall, oval 3" x 3" image within 4.5" x 4.5" toned perimeter.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000