MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT C. SCHENCK - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/24/1882 - HFSID 87543

ROBERT SCHENCK
Returning to Washington, DC, the general and politician writes that his health will not permit a more extended trip.
Autograph Letter signed: "Robt. C. Schenck", 2 pages (front and verso), 4½x7. Dayton, 1882 May 24. To "My Dear Colonel", in full: "Thanks for your kind invitation. I would come to you with pleasure, but on Tuesday next I must be on my way back to Washington; & coming here & returning is about as much as in my condition of health I can safely accomplish. I have borne the labor of this journey, however, with more than expected strength. My daughter Sally is with me. I have good account of the other girls at Washington. Come & see me when you are there. With kindest regards to Ella. Yours sincerely". Robert Schenck (1809-1890) served as U.S. Representative from Ohio (1843-1851, 1863-1871), and U.S. Minister to Brazil (as well as Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, 1851-1853). Despite having no prior military experience, Schenck proved a capable general in early engagements of the Civil War, until he resigned to take his seat in Congress, having beaten notorious "Copperhead" Democrat Clement Vallandingham. He failed of re-election by three votes in 1870. Appointed Minister to the United Kingdom by President Grant, he popularized draw poker in that country, later writing a book on the subject, but he soiled his reputation by lending his name to an unsound mining investment scheme. Multiple mailing folds. Lightly toned and creased. Mounting and adhesive residue on verso. Corners lightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.