“THE FRIEND AND SECRETARY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN FROM THE SECRETARY OF GENERAL GRANT”: BADEAU’S THREE-VOLUME EYEWITNESS MILITARY HISTORY OF ULYSSES S. GRANT, PRESENTATION/ASSOCIATION COPY INSCRIBED BY BADEAU TO LINCOLN'S SECRETARY, JOHN HAY

BADEAU, Adam. Military History of Ulysses S. Grant, from April 1861 to April 1865. New York: D. Appleton, 1881. Three volumes. Thick octavo, original pebbled green cloth gilt.

First edition, mixed issue set of aide-de-camp Badeau’s important “eyewitness estimation of Grant’s performance during the war,” with a stipple-engraved portrait frontispiece of Grant from a photograph by Gurney & Son, and 35 folding maps (7 in rear pockets). Inscribed in volume I by the author to Col. John Hay, Lincoln's friend and personal secretary, "Col. John Hay, the friend and Secretary of Abraham Lincoln from the Secretary of General Grant. Adam Badeau."

A contemporary of Ulysses S. Grant once described him as "the concentration of all that is American" (Theodore Lyman). This important early military biography of Grant was written by Adam Badeau, who served on his staff during the Civil War. Though Badeau's admiration for his general might suggest a lack of objectivity, historians have noted that "Badeau's style is matter of fact without the embellishment or glorification typical of some early works. The accuracy is impressive… The author does not digress or reflect on matters, so the volumes have a technical precision that is both valuable for its truthfulness… and for delivering an eyewitness estimation of Grant's performance during the war" (Eicher 486). First published between 1868 and 1881, this work has become particularly valuable for its first-hand accounts of the 1864 campaigns and the surrender at Appomattox. Volume I is second issue, dated 1881; Volumes II and III are first issue. Six rear leaves of publishers advertisements. Nicholson 1994. Eicher 486. Dornbusch II:51. Nevins I:22. The recipient of this copy, John Hay, would have been very familiar with Badeau. Hay served as Lincoln's personal secretary at the same time that Badeau served Grant, placing the two men in frequent contact. Like Badeau, Hay was to become an accomplished biographer, writing one of the most important biographies of Lincoln. Hay later served as as American ambassador to Great Britain under president McKinley and Secretary of State under McKinley and Roosevelt for seven years.

Interiors fine, only very minor wear to cloth. A nearly fine copy with a wonderful presentation/association.