Original 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite three-quarter length portrait of Grant in uniform, by F. Gutekunst of Philadelphia, signed in the lower border in black ink, “U.S. Grant, General.” In very good condition, with scattered surface marks and soiling, a light crease to the upper border, a ding to the upper right corner tip, and some trivial silvering to dark areas of the image. Accompanied by a typed letter from Brevet Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, one lightly-lined page, 4.75 x 8, Headquarters General Recruiting Service, United States Army letterhead, New York, June 7, 1866. In full: “I have at my office for you a photograph of Lieutenant General Grant, with his autograph attached. This is presented to you by General Grant. Will you have the kindness to send for it, endorsing hereon your order for it, to be given to your messenger?” Letter in fine condition, with light scattered soiling, rusty paperclip mark, and slight separation to mailing fold. During Grant’s presidential administration, Butterfield served as his Secretary of the Treasury. He would later become embroiled in a scheme to assist in an attempt to corner the gold market resulting in its collapse, and one of several scandals that rocked Grant’s presidency. A unique association between Civil War legends, this is the first such pairing we have ever seen. RR Auction COA.
