War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant, Maj. Gen.,” one page, 7.5 x 9.25, February 28, 1864. Grant writes from Nashville to Brig. Gen. R[obert] Allen in Louisville. In full: “It will be impossible probably to supply the number of Artillery & Calvary horses called for within this Military Division but I would suggest that now all on hand be forwarded as rapidly as possible to this place and others be procured and forwarded as fast as they can be purchased. I will order this distribution from here….” Lincoln nominated Grant to the newly created rank of lieutenant general just two days later, on March 1; the nomination was confirmed by Congress on the following day. The letter bears several marginal pencil calculations and a stray pencil mark to text, evidently made by a telegraph operator who transmitted the message. Matted and framed with a portrait engraving and engraved plaque to an overall size of 25.5 x 20.75. Light intersecting folds (vertical fold to last name), and a trace of mild handling wear, otherwise fine condition. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA. Oversized.
