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Ulysses S. Grant Autograph Endorsement Signed....
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Description
Grant asks that all "high state officers" in Mississippi be appointed from the Army during Reconstruction
Ulysses S. Grant Autograph Endorsement Signed. 7 3/4 x 9 7/8
inches; St. Louis; August 1, 1868. An important endorsement penned
on the verso of a July 24, 1868 letter from Mississippi citizens
"actively engaged in aid of reconstruction," who are
concerned over the lack of security existing for the persons and
property of loyal men "under the anomalous conditions of
affairs." They request that a number of men "loyal to the
Government of the United States" be appointed to positions such
as State Treasurer, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and so
forth.On verso Grant, then serving as Commanding General of the Army, pens a lengthy endorsement: "I think it would be well in the state of Miss. where the new Constitution has been rejected, to direct that all civil officers who can not take the oath prescribed by Congress should be removed and men who could appointed to their places. For the high state officers, I would adhere to the rule of appointing from the Army but for all county officers, I would leave the appointments to the direction of the District Commander." Signed, "U.S. Grant."
Although Grant was the Republican candidate for president at the time he writes this endorsement, he received the letter and is responding in his capacity as Commanding General of the Army. The Reconstruction Acts of 1867 outlined the terms for readmission to representation and placed the former Confederate states under military control. The Southern states were divided into five military districts (excluding Tennessee), and Mississippi fell into the fourth district. Each district was overseen by a military commander who had the ability to enforce civil rights laws and oversee the reconstruction of state governments, including filling the appointments that Grant requests being made.
Mississippi had rejected their proposed constitution, which aimed to rebuild and integrate the African American population into society as equal citizens. Their reluctance to adopt laws granting civil rights and voting rights to the states African American population delayed their readmission to the Union until 1870. In his capacity as Commanding General, Grant delegates the appointments to the military commander of the district, as his focus as Republican candidate for president would have been more on the broader policies of Reconstruction. His support of these policies and his military leadership during this period played a significant role in shaping the course of Reconstruction.
Condition: Split along the central fold is reinforced with archival tape, show through from ink moderately affects Grant's endorsement, otherwise very good.
Auction Info
2024 April 5 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6285 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2024
5th
Friday
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