MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT C. SCHENCK - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/21/1872 - HFSID 321422

ROBERT C. SCHENCK
The U.S. Representative and Minister to Brazil writes to an associate, recommending a young man to him from Providence, Rhode Island
Autograph letter signed: "Robert Schenck", in black ink, 1 page (front and verso), 4x6. June 21, 1872. Hyde Park, London, England. In full: "My dear Colleague Let me present to you a countryman of ours, either a [illegible] courtesy kindness, One Caleb Seagram of Providence, Rhode Island. Like all Americans, he will be sure to [illegible] in gay, [illegible], Sarming, [illegible] Paris, + I cordially commend him to your [illegible], Very truly + sincerely yours". 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. Normal mailing fold. Bottom right corner creased. Corners lightly worn and creased. Light surface creases. Faint stain on bottom right corner. Otherwise, fine condition.