Union officer (1838-1894) on the staff of Major General McClellan, and a claimant to the French throne from 1848 until his death. Five ALSs signed "L. P. d'Orleans," totaling 18 pages on sets of adjoining sheets, dated from 1875 to 1879. Louis Philippe d'Orleans writes to General William Farrar 'Baldy' Smith, commenting on world affairs, the publication of his "History of the Civil War," correspondence with fellow Union officers, and other topics.
One letter, in part: "I do not think it advisable to entertain the Duke de Montpensier of the scheme you mention to secure the secession of the Island of Cuba from the Spanish nationality. I have never meddled with the affairs of Spain…those of my own country gave me trouble enough. But if I had an opportunity to meet some of the Cuban Rebels, I would in their own interest repeat to them what I told in 1863 to the English sympathizers with the Slaveholders rebellion. I have good reason to believe that the Cuban insurrection stands on its last legs, and well informed people in Spain expect the complete pacification of the country to be accomplished this winter."
Another, in part: "I am now engaged in the Chickamauga business and I find it a very great inconvenience not to have a good map of the field of battle. I had to construct one for my own use merely from the descriptions which I picked out of the official reports of both sides."
A third, in part: "I am studying now the operations of General Grant around Chattanooga and I need not tell you how glad I am to have an opportunity to show the great services which you rendered to your country while Chief Engineer of the Military Division of the Mississippi. It is a pleasure for me to speak of you as I like to do and to quote the just praises given to you at that time by General Grant and Thomas." In overall fine condition. Accompanied by the original sales folder from early 20th century antiquarian bookseller Ernest Dressel North.
