Union officer during the American Civil War who, despite his administrative skill as general in chief (1862–64), failed to achieve an overall battle strategy for Union forces. Handwritten telegram, signed “H. W. Halleck, Major Genl.,” on a 5.25 x 4.5 off-white sheet, docketed on the reverse “February 13, 1862.” Halleck writes to Senator M. S. Latham, in full, “Charge not true; he is perfectly temperate and has been so for more than six months.” In 1854 Grant had been forced to resign from the army because of his excessive drinking, but by 1861 he had rejoined and made brigadier general of volunteers. By the Battle of Shiloh, Grant had become Halleck’s most successful subordinate commander and Halleck decided to promte Grant’s fortunes, protecting him from everything from public outcry over mismanaged battle tactics to, as seen here, continued charges of drunkeness! In fine condition, with expected mailing folds and a bit of light toning. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
