Lot 5
Ulysses S. Grant (1822-85), 18th President of the United States 1869-77, free frank signature "U. S. Grant" as President on official "Executive Mansion, Secretary" imprint cover with "Secretary" crossed out by Grant, addressed in his hand to "Hon. H. Fisk, Secretary of State", probably carried privately outside of the mails, fresh & Very Fine.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Grant served in the Mexican War but made his mark in the Civil War. He won the first significant Union victory at Fort Donelson. At Shiloh, he took heavy losses but won and in July 1863, forced Vicksburg to surrender. He fought Lee throughout Virginia, including the Wilderness and Petersburg, and accepted his surrender at Appomattox. He won the 1868 Presidential election, and in office continued Reconstruction, signed a gold currency law, and saw the Panic of 1873. His administration was affected by several scandals though Grant was never involved. He was bankrupt in business but finished his memoirs a week before he died.
Realized: $1,200