Born 1818, Deerfield, New Hampshire. Died 1893, Lowell, Massachusetts. Major General in the Civil War Union Army, nicknamed “Beast Butler”, elected to the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts, and later served as the 33rd Governor of Massachusetts from 1883 to 1884. He was known for creating the “Contraband Decision” enabling thousands of enslaved people from states in rebellion to seek refuge behind Union lines which supplied the Union with able-bodied men capable and willing to support the Union cause. Letter is typed, dated April 25, 1888 and signed by hand. It was sent to the Committee for the Halifax Cup Yacht Race at Passamaquoddy Bay. Butler is requesting admission to the race which had not included the Boston Yacht Club of which he was a member. The race was only for Eastern Yacht Club and New York Yacht Club members. 10″ high x 8″ wide. Letter shows minor chipping to edges. Also includes a large cabinet card photograph of John Franklin Miller, General in the Civil War and represented California in the United States Senate. Born 1831, died 1886. Measures: 8 1/2″ high x 5 1/2″ wide. Good condition with light foxing.
