[1864 Civil War-Date Autograph Letter Signed by Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, Gettysburg Hero].

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One-page Civil War-date letter written by Winfield Scott Hancock (1824–1886) —“Hancock the Superb” —career military officer and Union hero of Gettysburg. By the time this letter was written in later December, 1864, Hancock had given up his field command, in large part due to unresolved injury sustained at Gettysburg. He then transitioned to command the Veteran Reserve Corps (formerly “Invalid Corps”) which allowed for disabled soldiers, and wounded or infirm veterans, to serve the Union Army, away from the front battle-lines.

Hancock writes to Daniel Smith Esq., at the Union League of Philadelphia. This is likely Daniel Smith Jr., (1790–1884) a Club co-founder and director, maritime broker,“he was a conspicuous worker for sick and wounded soldiers.” (Whiteman, Gentleman in Crisis p277.) Hancock pens, in part: “I shall meet you before long and I trust it will be on the occasion of a meeting of your Social Circle.”

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