Ulysses S. Grant, 6 June 1865

GRANT, Ulysses S. (1822 - 1885). Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant") as Lieutenant General, to C.T. Jones and four others, Washington D.C., 6 June 1865.

Two pages, 200 x 250mm, on Head Quarters Armies of the United States letterhead (loss at top edge filled in, a few light scuff marks on the verso). Provenance: Henkels, 24 October 1894, lot 288 – Archer M. Huntington (his sale, Sotheby's, 12 November 1953, lot 66) – Sotheby's, 12 June 1972, lot 182.

Praising the efforts of returning Union volunteers after the end of the Civil War. Grant declines an invitation to a celebratory reception for returning volunteer troops in Philadelphia, due to his attending the "Great Northwest Fair" in Chicago on the same date. He then adds: "The achievements of volunteers for the last four years entitles them to the lasting gratitude of all loyal people and I therefore rejoice at the enthusiastic reception which they are everywhere receiving – It is not likely that I shall be present at any of these receptions but I know the men will do me the justice to believe that all my sympathies are with them."