Description:

PROMOTION DOCUMENT FOR COLONEL ORVILLE BABCOCK, AIDE TO GRANT
Orville E. Babcock (1835–1884) was an American engineer and general in the Union Army during the Civil War. An aide to General Ulysses S. Grant during and after the war, he was President Grant's military private secretary at the White House, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for Washington D.C., and a Florida-based federal inspector of lighthouses. Offered here is a fine association, partly-printed D.S. with a steel stamp facsimile signature of President ANDREW JOHNSON, 1p. folio on vellum, Washington, August 20, 1866, a promotion of ORVILLE E. BABCOCK to the rank of Major by Brevet for '...gallant and meritorious services during the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee...'. Also bearing the facsimile signature of Secretary of War EDWIN M. STANTON. In fine condition. Babcock inspected several military posts from 1866-67 in the west, including a sect of Mormons believed to be a military threat at the time, led by Brigham Young. Upon Grant's election to president he militarily assigned Babcock as his personal secretary to bypass congressional approval. Through this appointment Babcock received unprecedented influence and power, with Grant often acting on his recommendations. This, of course, created several enemies for Babcock, including: Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, Secretary of the Treasury Benjamin Bristow and and U.S. Attorney General Edwards Pierrepont.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

January 19, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000