Union general (1831–1869). When the Civil War broke out, U. S. Grant asked Rawlins to be his aide de camp, and on Aug. 30, 1861, Rawlins was appointed assistant adjutant general on Grant's staff, and brigadier general on Aug. 11, 1863. During his brief life, Rawlins was Grant's alter ego and very intimate friend. He was one of the officers inside of the McLean house during Lee's surrender at Appomattox. When Grant became President of the US, he named Rawlins his secretary of war, a post he held for only five months before dying. War-dated ADS signed “Jno A. Rawlins,” one page, 8 x 9.75, October 25, 1861. Pass reads, in part: “Leave of absence for seven days, or until reply is received from his tenver of resignation from Headquarters…is hereby granted to Lieut. Sawyer of Capt. Delano’s Company…Dragoons, Ill. Cavalry.” In very good condition, with mild toning along horizontal fold through text, and some scattered light toning and creasing. RR Auction COA.
