Handwritten endorsement, signed as president, “U. S. Grant,” on the reverse of the second integral page of a two-page lightly-lined ALS written by George H. Boker, 7.75 x 9.75 , dated March 13, 1871, to Grant, seeking an appointment for a friend. Boker writes, in part: “I understand that my friend, Mr. Francis de H. Janvier is an applicant for an office under Government at Washington. Mr. Janvier has every qualification to recommend him to your consideration…his intellectual gifts and his high moral character entitle him to any position that you may think fit to bestow upon him. Mr. Janvier’s services to the country during the late war are a matter of public importance even now, for some of the fine poems, with which he assisted our great cause, are yet lingering in the hearts of the people and are daily reproduced by populist readers. Anything that you may think proper to do on Mr. Janvier’s behalf will be most gratefully acknowledged.”
On the reverse of the second page, Grant writes: “Referred to the Sec of the Treas. If Mr. Janvier can be reappointed a Clerk in the Treasury I will be pleased. If no vacancy exists now please bear him in mind for an early vacancy. U. S. Grant March 15th / 71.” The second page also bears two more endorsements: “I unite most cordially in the above. Morton McMichael” and “With more than ordinary pleasure I join with Mr Boker & McMichael in recommendation of Mr. Janvier. James L. Claghorn.” In very good condition, with a vertical fold through Grant’s endorsement and through one letter of signature, professional strengthening to one horizontal fold, a strip of light toning to left side of endorsed panel, and some scattered light creases. Francis de Haes Janvier was a poet best remembered for his work ‘The Sleeping Sentinel,’ inspired by the tale of a young soldier who fell asleep on duty and was convicted of dereliction of duty, sentenced to die, and eventually pardoned. His advocates included not only Grant and fellow poet Boker, but McMichael, the country’s assistant attorney general, and Claghorn, a bank executive. Throughout his administration Grant was exceedingly loyal to his associates—especially comrades-in-arms—and expected them to bestow the same favors. It was this sense of loyalty that led him to gravitate toward Janvier…and coupled with a political naiveté and lack of experience, led to scandal. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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