Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8.5 x 11, July 10, 1871. President Grant directs the Secretary of State to “affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of my letter of congratulation to the Emperor Alexander II of Russia.” Signed boldly at the conclusion by U. S. Grant. In fine condition, with light creasing, and short splits to the ends of the folds.
It remains uncertain as to the exact reason why President Grant would send congratulations to the Emperor of Russia, but a few notable events in 1871 would have possibly warranted such a message: the birth of his grandson, George Alexandrovich, on May 9, 1871; the July 1871 wedding announcement of his daughter Maria Alexandrovna to Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha; or the news that his son, Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich, would helm an official voyage of the Russian Navy to the United States. In 1878, Grant became the first American president — sitting or former — to visit Russia.
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