LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Feb Grand Format Book & Manuscript #682  / 

56075

William T. Sherman Autograph Letter Signed Wine

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
William T. Sherman Autograph Letter Signed Wine
<B>William T. Sherman Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "<I>W.T. Sherman/General</B></I>," three pages, 7.75" x 10". Washington, March 18. 1871. To General Alfred N. Duffie, U.S. Consul, Cadiz, Spain. Duffie had been appointed U.S. Consul by President Grant in April 1869. In full "<I>On the receipt of yours of January 10,</B></I><B><I> </B></I></B></I><I>enclosing Bills of Lading for two boxes of Sherry Wine, I was embarrassed - for the initials of my name were reversed and there is a General T.W. Sherman at Key West Florida - also the title of 'Sec of War' was in one of the Bills of Lading.</B></I><B><I> </B></I></B></I><I>I was once Secretary of War but am not now. I at first wrote you a letter to explain the confusion but before the mail carried the letter away, I was notified that the two Boxes of wine had reached New York and that the boxes were marked unmistakeably </B></I>[<I>sic</B></I>]<I> for me and they were duly sent me by my Agent Wm Scott & Sons of Wall Street. I have received the wine. Opened it, and have actually used some of it to great advantage at a Dinner Party where there were present good judges of wine & who pronounced it genuine.</B></I><B><I> </B></I></B></I><I>Now my dear Sir if that wine was intended for the Secretary of War, he is too late or if for my wounded namesake Genl. T.W. Sherman, the poor fellow is too far away and at best never was a judge of good wine. So that if there be a mistake I see no possible means of rectifying it. Except for you to duplicate your Present and send me the Bill for payment. All that I can promise is that the wine shall be enjoyed only by good & loyal soldiers & citizens of your country, that they shall know that it comes from the Land where 'Sherry grows', and though it may be the result of a mistake still it is no failure. If as I trust will prove to be the case, you really meant it for me, and mine, I give you my cordial thanks. With sincere respect Your Friend.</B></I>" General Thomas W. Sherman had been severely wounded in 1863 during the attack on Port Hudson leading to the amputation of his right leg. After the death of Secretary of War John A. Rawlins, President Grant appointed William T. Sherman to act as Secretary of War until a successor was appointed. He served from September 6, 1869 to October 25, 1869 when he was succeeded by William W. Belknap who was Secretary of War when this letter was written. Folds. Fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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