Description:

Ulysses S. Grant
Washington, D.C., February 4th, 1867
U. S. Grant Builds Alliances as Johnson Relationship Breaks Down!
ALS
ALS, 4.5" x 7", dated February 4th, 1867, Washington, D.C., addressed to Senator John Conness from California, Grant's republican ally. Signed twice ,"Grant" within text and "U.S.Grant" at the end of the letter. In this ALS, Grant remarks to Conness that he looks forward to seeing the Senator at his next reception. Grant's receptions played a crucial role in forging alliances with Radical Republican leaders, garnering support as his relationship with Johnson deteriorated and ultimately paving the way for his presidential nomination. Expected folds, expertly repaired on folds, boldly signed.

The ALS reads:

"Dear Sir,

Mrs. Grant & myself will be pleased to see your friends at our next reception. Cards would be sent with this but we have none at the house. Please do not take the absence of cards to prevent any friends you may have in the city from attending.

Yours truly,
U. S. Grant".

Senator John Conness was a Republican ally who supported strong Reconstruction measures and civil rights protections for African Americans, which aligned with Grant's position against President Andrew Johnson's more lenient approach. Grant's outreach to Conness and his friends for a reception shows the efforts to build and maintain alliances with key Radical Republicans. This network of support helped Grant navigate the politically turbulent period and eventually contributed to his rise in political prominence and his presidential nomination, as he increasingly distanced himself from Johnson's policies.

The breakdown of the relationship between Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew Johnson was driven by their opposing views on Reconstruction after the Civil War. Grant, aligned with the Radical Republicans, supported strict measures to protect the rights of freed African Americans, while Johnson favored lenient policies toward the South and opposed civil rights legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1866. The rift deepened during Johnson's 1866 "Swing Around the Circle" tour, where he sought support for his lenient approach, but Grant, disapproving of Johnson's rhetoric, left early. Congress, supporting Grant, passed the Command of the Army Act to limit Johnson's authority and enforce stricter Reconstruction measures.

Tensions peaked when Johnson attempted to remove Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, a Radical Republican ally, and appointed Grant as interim Secretary. Grant accepted to protect Reconstruction but resigned when Congress reinstated Stanton, leading to a public feud with Johnson. Their conflict culminated in Johnson's impeachment over his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, although he was acquitted by one vote. This clash significantly weakened Johnson's political power and boosted Grant's standing among Radical Republicans, paving the way for his presidential nomination.

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: 4.5" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

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