Civil War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant, Maj. Genl.,” two pages, 7.75 x 9.75, October 28, 1863. Ulysses S. President. Autograph Letter Signed, U.S. Grant, two full pages, quarto, , October 28, 1863. Written from Chattanooga, Tennessee, "Head Quarters, Mil. Div. of the Miss.," a letter to Major General Henry W. Halleck, general in chief in Washington, in full: "I have been written to by officers of the Medical Department in reference to a change that it is expected will be made in the Surgeon Generalcy of the Army and asking me to write to you or the Secretary of War giving my views of what I thought due to the old Medical Corps in case a change is made. I have always regarded the Medical Corps of the regular Army as accomplished and able a body of men, taking them as a whole body, as can be found in the country of their, or any other, profession. It seems to me with such able men, and with the experience they have had, that, if a change is to be made, it would be no more than justice to the old Medical Corps that Surgeon General Hammond's successor should be taken from their number. As I have once before written I know the importance of having the heads of all the Departments at Washington filled by exactly the right sort of men and would not therefore recommend anyone for such a place without a trial. In the same letter (it was addressed to the Secretary of War) I stated truly and concur what I knew & believed of Surgeon M. Mills fitness for the position, but only recommended him for Acting Surgeon General and to let him then prove his fitness. Asst. Surgeon General Woods is another officer of the old Medical Corps in whos[e] zeal and fitness I would feel great confidence. I have not had the same personal acquaintance with him that I have had with Surg. Mills, but his administrations of affairs in the West certainly have been most satisfactory. I take great pleasure in calling the attention of those having the appointing power to the merits and claims, of these two tried officers." Pages are inlaid into slightly larger sheets. In fine condition, with corner paper loss to the first page.
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.
