ALS signed “W. T. Sherman, General,” one lightly lined page both sides, 5 x 8, Headquarters Army of the United States letterhead, April 1, 1874. Letter of introduction written for a fellow soldier embarking on a trip. In full, “Major Francis De Gress is about to depart for South America where he will be a perfect stranger. I commend him to the polite attention of any friend of mine he may encounter. Maj. De Gress served under my immediate command during the whole Civil War in charge of a Battery of Artillery. He was a skilful [sic] & brave officer and often attracted special notice by acts of courage. I esteem him highly and will be personally obliged for any attention to him.” Lieutenant Francis De Gress was with the 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery H during the Civil War and participated in the South Carolina and Atlanta campaigns. De Gress was on a business trip through Chile, Peru, and Mexico, where he was selling weapons and other goods from May to October of 1874. He was a member of the import-export firm of Wexel and De Gress, with offices in New York City and Mexico City. Two horizontal mailing folds, one through signature, light toning, a few mild spots and a small pencil notation to top left, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
