1873 Hamilton Fish Autograph Letter Conveying President Grant’s Personal Appreciation
Hamilton Fish (1808–1893). Autograph letter signed, “Hamilton Fish,” as United States secretary of state. Department of State, Washington, April 18, 1873. Two manuscript pages on one folded sheet, addressed to William H. Munn of New York and marked “Private.”
A compelling Grant-administration letter in which Secretary of State Hamilton Fish reports that he personally read Munn’s correspondence to President Ulysses S. Grant and conveys the president’s private reaction.
Fish writes:
“I read your letter to the President, who desires me to express his gratification with the kind & friendly expressions which it contains.”
Fish further explains that Grant was especially gratified after learning about Munn’s standing and character, which demonstrated “how disinterested & how sincere” his appreciation was of the president’s “character & his course.”
Written only six weeks after Grant’s second inauguration, the letter provides an intimate glimpse into the president’s response to contemporary judgments of his leadership. It also demonstrates Fish’s close relationship with Grant and his role as a trusted intermediary between the president and influential New Yorkers.
Hamilton Fish was among the most accomplished American secretaries of state. Serving throughout both Grant administrations, he negotiated the Treaty of Washington, oversaw settlement of the Alabama Claims and guided American diplomacy during Reconstruction.
William H. Munn was a prominent New Yorker associated with the Chemical Bank and lived at the address written on the letter.
Entirely handwritten by Fish on Department of State stationery and boldly signed with his full signature.
Condition: Age toning, scattered foxing and soiling, original mailing folds and minor handling wear. A short separation appears along the horizontal fold at the right edge. Ink remains dark, clear and fully legible. Offered as photographed.
Hamilton Fish (1808–1893). Autograph letter signed, “Hamilton Fish,” as United States secretary of state. Department of State, Washington, April 18, 1873. Two manuscript pages on one folded sheet, addressed to William H. Munn of New York and marked “Private.”
A compelling Grant-administration letter in which Secretary of State Hamilton Fish reports that he personally read Munn’s correspondence to President Ulysses S. Grant and conveys the president’s private reaction.
Fish writes:
“I read your letter to the President, who desires me to express his gratification with the kind & friendly expressions which it contains.”
Fish further explains that Grant was especially gratified after learning about Munn’s standing and character, which demonstrated “how disinterested & how sincere” his appreciation was of the president’s “character & his course.”
Written only six weeks after Grant’s second inauguration, the letter provides an intimate glimpse into the president’s response to contemporary judgments of his leadership. It also demonstrates Fish’s close relationship with Grant and his role as a trusted intermediary between the president and influential New Yorkers.
Hamilton Fish was among the most accomplished American secretaries of state. Serving throughout both Grant administrations, he negotiated the Treaty of Washington, oversaw settlement of the Alabama Claims and guided American diplomacy during Reconstruction.
William H. Munn was a prominent New Yorker associated with the Chemical Bank and lived at the address written on the letter.
Entirely handwritten by Fish on Department of State stationery and boldly signed with his full signature.
Condition: Age toning, scattered foxing and soiling, original mailing folds and minor handling wear. A short separation appears along the horizontal fold at the right edge. Ink remains dark, clear and fully legible. Offered as photographed.
