Grant, Ulysses S., as Union General

Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant | Lt. Gen"), 1 1/4 pages (9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 252 x 198 mm) on a leaf headed Head Quarters Armies of the United States, Washington, 6 July 1865, to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, autograph endorsement signed by Stanton at end of letter: "Approved Edwin M. Stanton Sec of War, July 8, 1865"; lightly browned, especially lower third, with darker mat burn at edges, mounting remnants on edges verso.

The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, ed. Simon, 15:242–43

Grant intervenes on behalf of a recent foe: "Gen. J. E. Johnston who had authority to go to Canada with his family declined going on account of the health of Mrs. Johnston forbidding her travelling so far, and because his authority to go prohibited his return to the United States without authority. He has made application for Amnesty and does not want to risk becoming an exile. He now asks to have his parole extended so as to authorize him to go to Maryland where his wife's relations reside.  I am in favor of so extending his parole and with your authority will so extend it."

The same day that Stanton approved Grant's request, Col. Theodore S. Bowers issued a permit to Johnston allowing him to travel to Maryland and pledging that he would not be disturbed so long as he observed his parole. On 11 July, Johnston wrote to President Andrew Johnson requesting amnesty, which was duly granted.