"I AM JUST IN RECEIPT OF THE PORTRAIT OF WASHINGTON, BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED… I SHALL PRIZE THIS VERY HIGHLY AND WILL HAVE IT FRAMED AND HANDED DOWN TO MY CHILDREN": MOST EXCEPTIONAL AND HEARTFELT AUTOGRAPH LETTER WRITTEN AND SIGNED BY GENERAL GRANT JUST TWO MONTHS AFTER THE WAR

GRANT, Ulysses S. Autograph letter signed. Washington, June 22, 1865. Single sheet of military stationery, measuring 5 by 8 inches folded in half; pp. 2. Matted and framed with engraved portrait, entire piece measures 24-1/2 by 16 inches. $9500.

Extraordinary Civil War-era autograph letter on Head-Quarters Armies of the United States stationery, dated June 22, 1865, written entirely in Ulysses S. Grant's hand and signed by him, thanking A. Bishop for sending Grant a portrait of Washington embellished with words from the Declaration of Independence and promising to pass it down to his children.

This Civil War-era letter, dated Washington DC, June 22nd 1865, reads in full: "S. Bishop & Co. Dear Sir, I am just in receipt of the portrait of Washington, beautifully executed by the arrangements of the words of the Declaration of Independence so as to make them give the portrait which you have been kind enough to send me. I shall prize this very highly and I will have it framed to hand down to my children as something to be revered. Yours Truly, U.S. Grant. Lt. Gen." This letter was included in the collected Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, edited by John Y. Simon. General Grant wrote this letter just two months after accepting Lee's surrender, one year before he was commissioned General of the Armies by Congress, and only three years before he would be elected President. The portrait that Grant received was most likely a lithograph by A. Hageboeck of Davenport, Iowa produced between 1855 and 1860 that featured the calligraphic words of the Declaration overlaid grayscale to create a portrait of Washington. Grant was known to dabble in art—specifically drawing and painting—and harbored an appreciation for fine art. While he received many gifts from those who viewed him as the savior of the Union, this particular gift was accepted was a noteworthy level of gratitude. Faint blindstamp to letter; facsimile of pg. 1 shown for display.

Original mailing creases to letter. Nearly fine condition.