Union general and secretary of war under Grant (1829–1890). Inadvertently, Belknap almost saved Custer from his fate at the Little Bighorn, when Custer became embroiled in the scandal that resulted in Belknap’s impeachment and Grant’s censure of Custer. Three items, all signed “Wm. W. Belknap”: an ALS, dated November 14, 1872, making plans to go to Chicago; partly-printed DS, dated February 16, 1871, verifying the signature of one A. B. Dyer is correct, with a short handwritten manuscript affixed to the document regarding a legal matter; and an LS, dated February 4, 1874, to the Secretary of the Interior, regretting to send copies. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling, and a few partial separations along folds. RRAuction COA.
