2022-01 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/28/2022
SETH WILLIAMS (1822-1866). Major General of the Union Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War, he Delivered General Grant's "Terms" to the Confederate army at the Appomattox Courthouse Surrender and was present on April 9, 1865. March 11, 1864-Dated Civil War, Historic Autograph Related Content, Autograph Letter Signed, "S. Williams," 3 pages, Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac, regarding Autograph Collecting Content, Choice Extremely Fine. Williams served as Inspector General on the staff of Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant from the spring of 1864 to February 9, 1866. When Grant decided to recommend surrender to Robert E. Lee during the Appomattox Campaign, it was Williams who took the message to the Confederate lines. He also delivered Grant's terms to the Confederate army. He was present at the surrender on April 9, 1865. This Letter is written to Sidney Webster, sending signatures (not present) of Generals Grant, Meade, and Ingalls for the Sanitary Commission Fair. The U.S. Sanitary Commission held fairs to raise funds to support sick and wounded Union soldiers. In 1864 President Lincoln signed a limited edition run of 48 Copies of the Emancipation Proclamation produced to be sold for $10 each at the Philadelphia Sanitary Fair. The funds raised from their sales was to be used to hire nurses, buy needed Civil War medication, supplies, etc. March 11, 1864, in part: "I... regret exceedingly that I have not at this moment a single autograph note of any of our Generals that I can take from the files of the office. Every thing of such a character that I had a few days ago I gave to a friend. No doubt before long I shall have another supply, but I fear not in season for the Fair. ... I send signatures of Generals Grant Meade, and Ingalls, and will in two or three days forward others. I am truly sorry that I cannot fully comply with Mrs. Webster's request." This rare "Autograph Collecting" content Letter shows normal folds but is in otherwise choice condition. A wonderful opportunity.
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