[CIVIL WAR]. Two documents related to rumors of General Grant's drinking to excess.

Manuscript copy of a telegraph received in cipher from Major General Henry Halleck. Washington, DC 4 March 1862. One page, 7 1/8 x 9 1/8 in. Appears as if it has been written in a more modern ink pen. (Wear, tears, and some loss to edges). Housed in a red leather folio with gilt text on cover: "Halleck's Telegram to McClellan / March 4, 1862."

In full: "St. Louis / 4 ' Mch 1 PM. / Maj Genl G. B. McClellan. / No 53 / A rumor has just reached me that since the taking of Fort Donelson Grant has resumed his former bad habits. If so it will account for his neglect of my often repeated orders. I do not deem it advisable to arrest him at present but have placed Genl. C. F. Smith in command of the expedition up the Tennessee River. I think Smith will restore order and discipline. I hear unofficially but from a reliable source that our forces took possession of Columbus this morning. The enemy falling back to Island Number Ten and New Madrid. I am expecting official telegram hourly. / H. W. Halleck, Maj Genl."

Accompanied by correspondence related to the 1936 sale of the above item by Barnet J. Beyer Inc. of New York, along with the original catalogue page listing the item as "A Most Important Grant Item." A letter from Barnet J. Beyer identifies the item as having come from the John H. Gundlach, St. Louis, MO, Collection.

[With:] WILSON, Henry. Letter signed ("H. Wilson"), as US Senator. Washington, DC, 14 March 1868. One page, 7 3/8 x 9 5/8 in. (fully separated into 4 pieces along central vertical and horizontal creases, with adhesive residue from previous repair to verso and discoloration/staining/soiling throughout). On United States Senate Chamber letterhead.

Letter answers an "inquiry respecting Gen Grant's drinking," replying that the writer has known General Grant a long time and "never saw him when the presence of liquor could be even suspected." The writer also says that General Howard and others give assurance that Grant does not use liquor at all, and has not for some time.

Property from the Augustana Collection