Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42161

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42161

Ulysses S. Grant Autograph Letter Signed ("U. S. Grant"). Four pages of a bifolium, 5 x 8 inches; Long Branch, New Jersey; September 13, 1872.

An engaging and highly personal letter from President Ulysses S. Grant to his brother-in-law Abel Corbin, in which he discusses his travel plans, social engagements, and family matters, while also noting his son's participation in General Philip H. Sheridan's inspection tour of the western frontier. He writes, in full:

"My dear Mr. Corbin:

I have just returned from Washington and find your letter of the 19th inst. I met Mr. Clark on the boat at New York City this morning about starting to Long Branch to see whether I would attend the State Fair. It was arranged that I should go on Thursday next, taking the half past ten train from here, and meet Messrs. Ward & Clark at the landing and all go to Elizabeth by the first train. In the evening I am to return to Newark and attend the exposition there. If I can go to Elizabeth afterwards I will do so and remain there to take the 4 o'clock boat the next day for Sandy Hook.

When I left Julia promised to write to Jennie [Virginia Grant] the next day. Whether she did it or not I do not know. I venture not. She is a dead even match with Jeannie in regard to putting off answering letters until they answer themselves. Mrs. Grant will not go with me to Elizabeth. We return to Washington the first of the week following my visit and she will be busy superintending packing up. Nellie [Ellen Wrenshall Grant] sails from Liverpool on the 12th Oct. on her return. She writes the most interesting letters home. Her letters are infinitely better, as to composition and substance, than either of her older brothers can write. I have read some of her letters to Mr. [George W.] Childs, the publisher, and he says that she ought to write a book of her travels.

Of course she will do no such thing. Fred [Frederick Dent Grant] left last Monday for Dakota, Montana, Utah and Wyoming, with [General Philip H.] Sheridan, on an inspection tour. He will return the latter part of October and spend a week or two with us before joining his Regt. in Northwest Texas. Fred is a splendid fellow and I think not the least spoiled yet. He seems to be a little bit susceptible and may someday get married before he is quite ready. I hope not however. All send their love to Jennie and you.

Yours Truly
U. S. Grant."

The letter offers a vivid glimpse into Grant's personal life during his presidency. Writing from Long Branch, a popular seaside retreat where he spent portions of the summer, Grant details his plans to attend the New Jersey State Fair and an exposition in Newark.

It also provides a revealing look at the Grant family. He writes affectionately of his wife Julia, praises the engaging letters of his daughter Nellie-then in England, where she had been received by Queen Victoria-and comments on his son Frederick Dent Grant, who was accompanying General Sheridan on an inspection tour of the western territories.

The recipient, Abel Corbin, is best remembered for his involvement in the Black Friday gold panic of 1869, when he attempted to leverage his relationship with the President to influence the gold market. Despite the political risks posed by that episode, this letter shows that Grant remained on cordial terms with him.

Condition: Very good, with even age toning and flattened mailing folds. Some separations at the fold lines (affecting text, but not overall legibility), with mends to the interior pages. Minor soiling or staining, otherwise with little evidence of wear.

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