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44

U. S. Grant

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
U. S. Grant

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Auction Date:2010 Jan 13 @ 10:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Original vintage 2.25 x 4 carte-de-visite seated portrait, backstamped "Published by E.&H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, from Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery,” signed in the lower border in black ink, “U. S. Grant, Lt. Gen. U. S. A.” Written on the reverse in unknown hand, "Given by Gen…to J. T Williams. at City Point, Va., Oct 1864." Some scattered light soiling, paper remnants to bottom of reverse, small unobtrusive repaired tear along top edge, and a bit of minor restoration to top right of reverse, otherwise fine condition.

During the Civil War, City Point, Virginia, was a small port town situated at the James River and Appomattox River. During the Union’s siege of Petersburg, which began in June 1864, General Grant selected City Point as his base, establishing a supply depot and field hospital nearby. Considering the huge influx of traffic to the area, it is safe to assume that the general met a variety of troops, providing the opportunity for an in-person autograph encounter that resulted in this item. For Grant, however the area was viewed as a geographic and political target, and he was well aware that the Union resources would be able to advance on Robert E. Lee and his troops, pin them down, and either starve him into submission or force a decisive battle.

Around the time that this photo was signed, Grant was also overseeing a series of battles near Richmond, including the Battle of Darbytown and New Market Roads on October 7, won by the Union; the Battle of Darbytown Road on October 13, an assault outside Richmond resulting in heavy casualties for Grant; and the two-day Battle of Fair Oaks and Darbytown Road that began October 27 and resulted in a stunning victory by Southern forces. However, the Confederate’s eventual defeat in Petersburg in March 1865 is credited with ending the conflict in Virginia. It’s amazing to think that during such a key period, that Grant would pause for an autograph request, yet given his availability, here is proof that he did.
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