Ulysses S. Grant Autograph.

GRANT, Ulysses S.

Item Number: 36016

Autograph boldly signed and dated “Ulysses S. Grant Sept. 28th, 1883.” In fine condition. Double matted and framed opposite a photograph of Grant. The entire piece measures 13.25 inches by 18 inches. In September 1883, Grant joined a tour to celebrate the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, begun during his first presidential term. From Minnesota to Oregon, Grant saw firsthand the rapid growth of the northwest. ‘I was not prepared to see so rich a country or one so rapidly developing’. Grant wrote a series of articles about his Civil War campaigns, and then began his “Memoirs”. In February 1885, he was diagnosed with cancer. Newspapers published daily updates as Grant’s health steadily declined. Fading health spurred Grant to finish his “Memoirs”. He completed the first of two volumes by March. The second was nearly done in June, when the Grants left sweltering New York City for upstate Mount McGregor. Here Grant finished his work and faced his end, unable to speak, communicating by notes to his doctors and friends. ‘There never was one more willing to go than I am’. Grant died on July 23, his family at his side.

Ulysses S. Grant served as president of the United States from March 4, 1869 to March 4, 1877. On January 29, 1877, (five days before he left office), Grant gave an address to the Senate of the United States regarding a controversial dispute that had arisen over the results of the upcoming presidential election. In the address, Grant argued that the people must put their trust in Congress, stating: “In all periods of history controversies have arisen as to the succession or choice of the chiefs of states, and no party or citizens loving their country and its free institutions can sacrifice too much of mere feeling in preserving through the upright course of law their country from the smallest danger to its peace on such an occasion; and it can not be impressed too firmly in the hearts of all the people that true liberty and real progress can exist only through a cheerful adherence to constitutional law.”