Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885 to Simon Buckner
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04450 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885 Place Written: Dover, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 February 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 19.9 x 12.3 cm. Order a Copy
Souvenir autograph copy of Grant's famous February 16, 1862, letter to Buckner demanding "unconditional surrender" of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, one of the best-known of Grant's wartime letters. This copy was written by Grant, probably in the late 1870's or early 1880's. Grant often signed copies of this letter for friends but this is only one of two copies known to be entirely in Grant's own hand. Misdated 1863. When the Confederates' breakout attempt failed, Buckner, an old friend of Grant's, asked what terms of surrender he would offer. Grant replied "No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately on your works." This move helped Grant attain his reputation for bold action, and earned him the nickname, "Unconditional Surrender Grant." Written at Fort Donelson
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.