Lot 30

U.S. Grant, Notorious Drinker, Issues Ironic Pardon for Moonshiner Who Lost Two Sons in Civil War

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U.S. Grant, Notorious Drinker, Issues Ironic Pardon for Moonshiner Who Lost Two Sons in Civil War

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500

Current Bid: $700

(7 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Ulysses Grant
Washington, DC, August 17, 1870
U.S. Grant, Notorious Drinker, Issues Ironic Pardon for Moonshiner Who Lost Two Sons in Civil War
DS

A fine content manuscript pardon signed by the President, "U.S. Grant", and countersigned by acting Secretary of State J. C. Bancroft Davis. 2pp (front and back), measuring 9.75" x 14.75" (sight), Washington, D.C., August 17, 1870. The document offers a "full and unconditional pardon" to one James Roach, who was convicted of illicit distilling the previous December. Roach had been sentenced to six months in prison and fined $1,000, which he was evidently unable to pay. Features a fully intact paper seal of the United States on verso. Matted and displayed within a double-sided frame, measuring 20" x 24.75" overall. Light creasing and folds present, with intermittent soiling throughout. Isolated dampstaining near upper right verso, not affecting overall appearance. Else, very good. Not examined outside of frame.

Reading in part:

"Whereas at the December special term 1869 of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, one James Roach was convicted of illicit distilling and was sentenced to six months imprisonment and until he paid $1000 fine and costs;
And whereas… many petitions recommend a remission of the said fine, because said Roach has already served out his six months, has lost two sons in the late [Civil] war, is thoroughly repentant and is unable to pay the fine:
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of America, in consideration of the premises… to herby grant to the said James Roach a full and unconditional pardon."

Allegations of drinking, whether true, exaggerated or false, have been made about Ulysses S. Grant since his rise to power. Charges of excessive drink were used against him in both presidential campaigns, and indeed, the Party's choice of temperance reformer Schuyler Colfax as running mate in 1868 was meant to neutralize such attacks. Contemporary stories of Grant's alleged drinking were often reported in newspapers during his military service, although some of these reports have been contradicted by other eye witness accounts. Modern historians agree, however, that Grant was not an alcoholic, as he was seldom drunk in public and never made a major military or political decision while inebriated.

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: 9.75" x 14.75" (sight); 20" x 24.75" (frame)
  • Medium: DS

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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