Description
First edition of the Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, a presentation copy from Frederick J. Hall, stenographer of these memoirs.
Octavo, [two volumes], 584pp [Vol. I]; 647pp [Vol. 2]. Publisher’s deluxe three quarter morocco binding, gilt title on spines, raised bands with decorative gilt compartments, marbled leaf edges. Light rubbing to tips of the spines, solid text block, professional leather restoration to spines of both volumes. Tissue reinforcement to front hinge of Volume I. Frontispiece portraits of Grant with tissue covers. A complete copy, with over 50 illustrations, maps and fold-out facsimile documents. Bookplate of Charles A. Montgomery (1857-1933) on front endpaper.
(Eicher 492) (Dornbusch II: 1986).
Notes in pencil below inscription. This copy is inscribed on the half title of Volume I: “C.A. Montgomery, compliments / Fred J. Hall / Mch. 25, 1886.”
Frederick J. Hall (1860-1926) was hired by Charles Webster & Company in 1884 as a stenographer and office assistant to Samuel Clemens. With the news of Grant’s declining health, Hall was quickly reassigned to assist General Grant in finishing his memoirs at Grant Cottage on Mount McGregor. He took dictation and offered editorial corrections. After the death of President Grant, Hall was responsible for the royalties due to Mrs. Grant, which totaled $414,000 by 1892. Hall replaced Webster as partner at the publishing firm in 1888, and continued with them until the company’s eventual bankruptcy in 1892. Since Grant’s memoirs were published posthumously, few notable association copies exist. Mrs. Julia Dent Grant inscribed a copy to Samuel Clemens and three copies inscribed by Clemens have appeared on the public market.
