The 30 Minute Rule begins July 10 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By July 10 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT
Partly-printed LS signed “U. S. Grant,” one page, 8 x 10.25, War Department letterhead, August 14, 1867. As Secretary of War ad interim, Ulysses S. Grant informs Asa P. Blunt "that the President of the United States has appointed you for meritorious services during the War, a Colonel, by Brevet." Boldly and prominently signed at the conclusion by Grant. In fine condition.
In August 1867, bypassing the Tenure of Office Act, Johnson discharged Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without Senate approval and appointed U. S. Grant as ad interim Secretary of War. Grant initially recommended against dismissing Stanton, but ultimately accepted the position as he did not want the Army to fall under a conservative appointee. In December 1867, Congress voted for Stanton to remain in the post, and Grant opted to resign rather than become involved in a messy political battle. The controversy would ultimately lead to Johnson's impeachment in 1868.
In the present letter, signed on his third day as Acting Secretary of War, Grant informs Asa P. Blunt (1826–1889) of his promotion to brevet brigadier colonel. He was mustered into federal service as adjutant of the 3rd Vermont Infantry in 1861, earning a promotion to lieutenant colonel in the 6th Vermont, then as colonel of the 12th Vermont. In October 1862, he assumed temporary command of the 2nd Vermont Brigade, a position he would hold again after the capture of brigade commander General Edwin H. Stoughton. He mustered out of service in July 1863, but reenlisted as a captain in the Quartermaster's Department six months later. In March 1865, he was given a brevet promotion to brigadier general. He remained in the army after the war and served as commandant of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, between 1877 and 1888.
Given Grant's short tenure as Secretary of War ad interim—a span of just over five months—documents signed in that capacity are quite scarce.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
