Civil War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant,” two pages both sides, 5 x 8, Head-Quarters Armies of the United States letterhead, November 6, 1864. Letter to "E. Morris," written from his headquarters at City Point, Virginia. In full: "Your two letters informing me of the condition of my children and the attention they are receiving, in the absence of their mother, were duly received. I feel very greatful to you for the trouble you took in accompanying Mrs. Grant as far as Phil'a on her way West and for your subsequent kindness in looking after my family and informing me. I have received but one letter from Mrs. G. since she reached Mo. She found her father much improved and in a fair way of recovery. She probably left St. Louis this evening on her return home. All the letters I have written her since the receipt of your first have been directed to St. Louis. As I am not now writing to her, and may not until I hear again from her, may I tax your kindness further by asking you to inform her, on arrival in Burlington, that I am well and think it probable I may be able to spend next Sunday at home. I do not want this fact known to any one but yourself and Mrs. Grant. Our papers are received by the enemy as early as by ourselves and learning that I was to be absent in advance they might prepare for some annoyance. I am not vain enough to suppose that another might not command these Armies as well as myself but bringing in a commander suddenly upon an immergency he might not do as well as he would after commanding for some time." In very good condition, with splitting along the fragile intersecting folds, and the two pages detached along the hinge. Accompanied by a custom-made leatherbound presentation folder.
While the nation’s headlines focused on Lincoln’s reelection as president, Grant and the Army of the Potomac continued to assert pressure on Robert E. Lee’s forces during the exhaustive Siege of Petersburg. Although this prolonged, nine-month struggle proved a strategic stalemate, with forces on either side weary and starving from weeks of grueling trench warfare, the Union efforts were enough to enable General Sherman’s tide-turning march to the coast and the inevitable capture of the port of Savannah. Four days before writing this letter, Grant forwarded a telegram to Sherman which simply stated: ‘Go as you propose.’ The operation all but dismantled the Confederacy and hastened their eventual surrender. General Grant moved his wife and children to 309 Wood Street in Burlington, New Jersey in 1864 to avoid the conflict of the Civil War. The family resided there until the close of the war, with Grant visiting his family prior to victories at Vicksburg and the Battles of the Wilderness.
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