War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant, Lt. Gen.,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, February 9, 1865. Grant writes from City Point, Virginia to “Maj. Gen[s]. Ord & Meade.” In full: “I will leave here at 12 m. for Washington to remain absent four or five days unless sooner recalled. Please inform Col. Bowers of all movements or changes so that he may keep me advised....” Grant has added the notation “Cipher” at upper left, evidently indicating that the letter was to be encoded for transmittal. On February 5–7, Grant had led an offensive at Hatcher’s Run, Virginia, with the aim of blocking Confederate supply routes and seizing control of the final railroad with access to Petersburg. Though the Confederates were able to hold off the Federal forces, sustaining heavy casualties in the process, Grant nonetheless managed to lead the Union troops three miles closer to the railroad. On February 6, three days before Grant penned the letter, Robert E. Lee had been named General-in-Chief of the Confederate armies—a promotion that came too late in the war to reverse the Confederates’ ever-diminishing fortunes. Several light intersecting mailing folds (vertical fold just touching “S”), otherwise fine, bright, crisp condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
