Description:

Ulysses S. Grant
Washington, DC, April 2, 1866
Grant Unique Letter on Turning Grey!
ALS
Fine content and association post-war A.L.S. "U.S. Grant," 2 pages, 5" x 8", Washington, April 2, 1866. Grant writes on his "Headquarters Armies of the United States" letterhead to "C. A. Eastman, Esq." introducing his former Aide-de-Camp, John R. Riggin. One narrow mounting strip at top of verso, otherwise very good. Accompanied by the original transmittal cover addressed in Grant's hand.

He writes, in part: "…This will introduce you to Col. John Riggin, formerly of St. Louis and during the first two years of the Rebellion a member of my staff. Col. Riggin visits California for the first time and if you treat him well, or he likes the country as well as I did, he may settle among you. Attentions shown to Col. Riggin will be appreciated by him and will be regarded as a personal favor to me. Of your old Pacific Court acquaintances I know none here except [Rufus] Ingalls and myself. Ingalls is well but a confirmed old bachilor [sic] with but little hair left on his dead. My cappelary [sic] appendage still holds on without much sprinkling of grey among it as yet. It will soon be time however to expect a change to come over it. My kind regards to Mrs. Eastman and all the little Eastmans…".

In July 1866 and three months after this letter, Grant would be promoted to the newly-created rank of General of the Army of the United States. His former Quartermaster Rufus Ingalls (1818-1893) would be promoted to Colonel that same month.

John R. Riggin (1835-1886) enlisted in the Union Army 1861 and became Grant's aide-de-camp by December 1861, serving in that capacity until 1863. While on General Grant's staff, Riggin distinguished himself at Fort Donelson and Vicksburg, also earning praise from Grant in his memoirs. He was brevetted Brigadier General on March 13, 1865.

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" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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