119. ALEXANDER GARDNER (1821 - 1882) American photographer employed by Mathew Brady to undertake studio work, and later produced what are considered to be the finest, most striking Civil War battlefield views of the period, bringing the horror of the war home to the North. Gardner later would become official photographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. A unique document signed by some of the leading citizens of Washington, D.C., 2pp. L.S. with a page and a half of signatures endorsing the letter, May 9, 1866. Written to an Abner Brady by members of his gymnasium in "high appreciation... as well as for your indefatigable zeal in promoting the physical well being of all who have placed themselves under your instruction". They must have been quite taken with this fellow, in that they rented out the Grover Theatre to host a benefit on his behalf. This letter of recognition is signed by numerous personages, including: ALEXANDER GARDNER, WARD HILL LAMON (1828-93) Illinois lawyer, later Washington Marshal and Lincoln bodyguard whom the President called "my particular friend". Lamon's Life of Abraham Lincoln (1872) was based chiefly on material which Lamon bought from W.H. Herndon. We also find such figures as ELY S. PARKER, last Grand Sachem of the Iroquois and General Grant's military secretary, P. T. HUDSON, Grant's aide-de-camp during the Overland Campaign, JOHN GOLDIN, photographer who created the Lincoln death-room CDV, and HENRY CLAY FORD. Numerous Regular Army officers have also penned their names. Washington luminaries such as leading printers and merchants of that city are likewise found. The verso of first page with blue mounting remains with some showthrough, some age and foxing, a hole at top left of first page costs nothing, otherwise a few foxed and age-toned spots, still overall very good. Examples of Gardner's signature are prohibitively rare...a unique signed check is currently being offered by a national dealer for $4,250. 1,200 - 1,500