I recently picked up a Ulysses S. Grant signed 1847 letter from the Mexican-American War.

This is one of the earliest signatures I’ve ever seen available publicly, and inscribed with his military rank at the time. The Mexican-American War was Ulysses S. Grant’s first time in war, serving as Second Lieutenant 4th Infantry, Regimental Quarter Master.

A Quarter Master was responsible for managing logistics, which would include managing food supplies and equipment, arranging transportation, and ensuring all material needs were met. This was a mid-level position, critical for war yet not necessarily glamorous, and typically assigned to younger men to gain experience.

One of the logistical duties of Quarter Master was providing Summary Statements and Muster Rolls - basically reporting the availability and conditions of provisions, transports, and expenditures back to their commanders - to ensure they can properly do their job.

This letter was written to General Thomas S. Jesup in an unknown hand and signed off by Lieut. Grant (it was common for others to write the letters and have the Quarter Master confirm and sign the report).

Grant later wrote in his memoirs that his service and combat experience in the Mexican-American War (which included the seize of Mexico City) shaped his entire future, most importantly his leadership in the victory of the Civil War. However, he expressed that his role in the Mexican-American War was one of the biggest regrets of his life, saying:

“I was bitterly opposed to the measure, and to this day regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation.”

This document is a snapshot at the early life of Grant, which would later prove to be pivotal for the entire future of the United States.