ALS signed “U. S. Grant,” one faintly lined page, 8 x 10, November 23, 1863. A day before the Battle of Chattanooga, Grant writes from that locale to Major General George H. Thomas (1816–1870), whose expert defensive skills earned him the sobriquet "Rock of Chickamauga.” In full: “The truth or falsity of the deserter who came in last night stating that Bragg has fallen back should be ascertained at once. If he is really falling back Sherman can commence at once laying his pontoon trains and we can save a day.” Though the Confederates won a tactical advantage at the Battle of Chickamauga a month earlier, on September 19–20, Thomas’s spirited defensive action during the engagement earned him the sobriquet by which he became best known. On the day of this letter, Grant had just arrived in Chattanooga from Vicksburg with plans to roust Bragg’s forces, who then held Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, east and south of Chattanooga, respectively. According to historian Mark M. Boatner, Grant learned (from the deserter he mentions in the letter) that “Bragg had weakened his lines on Missionary Ridge ... [and] directed Thomas to conduct reconnaissance in force to see if the Confederates were withdrawing.” Though Grant had hoped that Union engineers could lay pontoon bridges with little opposition, heavy rains delayed the offensive until November 24, the day after this letter. The attack was successful and signaled the Union juggernaut in the South that culminated in Sherman’s devastating Atlanta campaign in the following year. The letter was previously part of the Forbes Collection and sold at Christie’s in 2007. A few minor stains to blank portions, expert reinforcement to small edge separations at folds, mild handling wear, and two pieces of mounting tape to top edge of reverse, otherwise fine, bright condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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