Lot #35

U. S. Grant

Description

"I must wait to see the development of Sherman's campaign," writes Grant, only days before the capture of Savannah

Civil War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant, Lt. Gen.,” one page both sides, Head Quarters Armies of the United States letterhead, December 19, 1864. Letter to William R. Bergholz, in full: "Your letter of the 8th inst. is received. I regret Gen. Delafield declining to let you retain the letter of recommendation which I had given you addressed to him. Appreciating as I do your services in giving information from the interior of the so called Confederacy, voluntarily, and the value of the information given, it would afford me the greatest pleasure to assist you in obtaining a situation during the time you must remain absent from your property and means in the South. If you are fortunate enough to find such a place take it. If you do not get employment within a few weeks I will employ you in the public services as Engineer, and send you to the Sea Coast either with Sherman or Foster. I must wait to see the development of Sherman's campaign and determine upon the next before sending you. Of course it will depend upon whether this will be agreeable to you." In very good to fine condition, with several unobtrusive expert repairs.

The "development of Sherman's campaign" would finalize two days later with the completion of his 'March to the Sea' and the capture of the port of Savannah. The success and significance of the campaign elevated the hero status of Sherman to the extent that many pushed for his replacing of Grant as commander of the Union Army. An irritated Sherman famously denounced the idea and instead offered further support for his longtime friend and comrade—'General Grant is a great general. I know him well. He stood by me when I was crazy, and I stood by him when he was drunk; and now, sir, we stand by each other always.'

Auction Info

• Auction Title: September
• Dates: #535 - Ended September 12, 2018

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