![GRANT, Ulysses S. (1822-1885). Engraved document signed ("U.S. Grant") as President of the Dialectic Society at West Point Military Academy, countersigned by WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK (1824-1886), "Dated at the Hall of the Society," West Point, [N.Y.], 20 June 1843.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01840_0082_000(020217).jpg?w=1)
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GRANT, Ulysses S. (1822-1885). Engraved document signed ("U.S. Grant") as President of the Dialectic Society at West Point Military Academy, countersigned by WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK (1824-1886), "Dated at the Hall of the Society," West Point, [N.Y.], 20 June 1843.
1 page, folio (15½ by 13½ in.), slit in left-hand margin for attachment of a pale blue silk ribbon with wax seal (seal and ribbon detached but present). Elaborately engraved ON FINE PARCHMENT, with text in several ornate italic scripts, accomplished in manuscript. At the top is a large engraved vignette (imprint of Packard, Gavit & Co., Albany), showing a classical landscape with the Parthenon and standing figure (Socrates?) in flowing robes, holding a scroll and stylus in one hand.
ULYSSES S. GRANT AT WEST POINT. One of the earliest obtainable documents signed by the future Lt. General and President. As a twenty-one-year-old cadet and President of the Dialectic Society of the United States Military Academy, Grant certifies that Edward B. Holloway of Kentucky has been awarded honorary membership in the Society.
RARE. The West Point Dialectic Society, established in November 1824, met regularly for discussions, readings and even dramatic presentations. Grant had enrolled at West Point in May 1839, and, recalling his years at West Point, Grant confessed that "My idea...was to get through the course, secure a detail for a few years as assistant professor of mathematics at the Academy, and afterwards obtain a permanent position as professor in some respectable college; but circumstances always did shape my course different from my plans" (Memoirs, Lib. of America edn., p.32). Grant graduated in 1843 ranked 21st in a class of 39. Winfield Scott Hancock graduated in the class of 1840 and served as an officer through some of the bloodiest battles of the war, mostly under Grant's command. He was the Democratic Party candidate for president in 1880, losing to Garfield. The Forbes Collection included a nearly identical document (lacking seal), sold here 19 May 2006, lot 128, $6,500). These two comprise the only examples offered at public auction since 1975.
1 page, folio (15½ by 13½ in.), slit in left-hand margin for attachment of a pale blue silk ribbon with wax seal (seal and ribbon detached but present). Elaborately engraved ON FINE PARCHMENT, with text in several ornate italic scripts, accomplished in manuscript. At the top is a large engraved vignette (imprint of Packard, Gavit & Co., Albany), showing a classical landscape with the Parthenon and standing figure (Socrates?) in flowing robes, holding a scroll and stylus in one hand.
ULYSSES S. GRANT AT WEST POINT. One of the earliest obtainable documents signed by the future Lt. General and President. As a twenty-one-year-old cadet and President of the Dialectic Society of the United States Military Academy, Grant certifies that Edward B. Holloway of Kentucky has been awarded honorary membership in the Society.
RARE. The West Point Dialectic Society, established in November 1824, met regularly for discussions, readings and even dramatic presentations. Grant had enrolled at West Point in May 1839, and, recalling his years at West Point, Grant confessed that "My idea...was to get through the course, secure a detail for a few years as assistant professor of mathematics at the Academy, and afterwards obtain a permanent position as professor in some respectable college; but circumstances always did shape my course different from my plans" (Memoirs, Lib. of America edn., p.32). Grant graduated in 1843 ranked 21st in a class of 39. Winfield Scott Hancock graduated in the class of 1840 and served as an officer through some of the bloodiest battles of the war, mostly under Grant's command. He was the Democratic Party candidate for president in 1880, losing to Garfield. The Forbes Collection included a nearly identical document (lacking seal), sold here 19 May 2006, lot 128, $6,500). These two comprise the only examples offered at public auction since 1975.