Details
GRANT, ULYSSES, S. President. Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant") as Major General, to Senator Elihu B. Washburn, Oxford, Mississippi, 17 December 1862. 1 1/2 pages, 4to. Fine.
GRANT BEFORE VICKSBURG: "THE ARMY HAS ALREADY BEEN MUCH AFFLICTED BY...INEFFICIENT BRIGADE & DIVISION COMMANDERS"
Three days before Grant's first move on the Confederate citadel of Vicksburg, he requests a promotion for "...Capt[ain] G.A. Williams of the 1st United States Infantry...Williams is one of the most efficient as well as one of the most experienced officers in my Department. For his merit alone I have twice recommended him for promotion to the rank of Brig[adier] Gen[eral] and hope you will give him your support. The Army has already been much afflicted by the appointment of inefficient Brigade & Division Commanders. With such Commanders as...Williams would make, throughout the entire Army, I do not hesitate to say that twenty-five per cent would be added to its effectiveness...He has served with me at Corinth with distinction, in command of his regiment. I have no doubt but that Gen[eral] Halleck will bear me out in this recommendation and hoped before this to have seen the appointment made..."
GRANT BEFORE VICKSBURG: "THE ARMY HAS ALREADY BEEN MUCH AFFLICTED BY...INEFFICIENT BRIGADE & DIVISION COMMANDERS"
Three days before Grant's first move on the Confederate citadel of Vicksburg, he requests a promotion for "...Capt[ain] G.A. Williams of the 1st United States Infantry...Williams is one of the most efficient as well as one of the most experienced officers in my Department. For his merit alone I have twice recommended him for promotion to the rank of Brig[adier] Gen[eral] and hope you will give him your support. The Army has already been much afflicted by the appointment of inefficient Brigade & Division Commanders. With such Commanders as...Williams would make, throughout the entire Army, I do not hesitate to say that twenty-five per cent would be added to its effectiveness...He has served with me at Corinth with distinction, in command of his regiment. I have no doubt but that Gen[eral] Halleck will bear me out in this recommendation and hoped before this to have seen the appointment made..."