[CIVIL WAR]. FRÉMONT, John C. (1813-1880), General, Union Army. Autograph letter signed ("J.C. Frémont") to William Fessenden, Bear Valley, [CA], 4 May 1860. 1¾ pages, 4to, integral blank. "THE SELFISHNESS OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS". Four years after his failure to win the White House as the first Republican presidential candidate, Fremont writes of current affairs from what he calls his "remoteness" in California: "Things at a distance look more equal and the movements of Louis Napoleon & affairs in Italy come in for their share of interest about equally with those in which you are taking your part at home." Displaying pessimism over human nature, he writes: "In regard to the selfishness of public affairs, I want to assure you that I have it quite as abundantly displayed here as you have found it at Washington and...[one] only needs to come into contact with our species upon any point to realize our common experience most disagreeably. It has been my most unpleasant lesson." -- FRÉMONT. Autograph letter signed ("J.C. Frémont") to Mr. Biggs, 26 June 1870. 1 page, 8vo, contemporary attachment to separate leaf. Fremont discusses the formation of a Texas organization, likely a GAR post, mentioning the election of officers and noting: "The proceedings under this Texas charter refer only to the Texas Division and the full organization will not be had until Spring." Together two items. (2)