[Ulysses S. Grant] Destruction of Ku Klux Klan, Lewis Merrill Commission

Partly printed document signed by Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), as President of the United States. Washington, D.C., 6 March 1869. Undersigned by Secretary of War John Rawlins. Original wafer seal and docketing to upper left.

A fine officer's commission signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, appointing Lewis Merrill as Major in George Armstrong Custer's 7th Regiment of Cavalry. As Major, Lewis Merrill was principally responsible for the dismantlement of the the Ku Klux Klan in York, South Carolina. This historic document is not only important because it dates to a notable period in Merrill's service, but also because it relates to President's Grant commitment to protect newly enfranchised African Americans during the Reconstruction era.

For years, Grant's reputation as a president was poor due to various factors, including controversies and scandals that marred his administration. Recent years have seen his reputation undergo a significant reassessment and rehabilitation, in large part due to his commitment to civil rights.

This officer's commission, appointing Lewis Merrill to combat the Ku Klux Klan and ensure the safety of African Americans, serves as testament to Grant's proactive stance against racial terrorism and his efforts to advance the cause of freedom and equality for all citizens.

Lewis Merrill (1834-1896) was a prominent military figure who organized a cavalry regiment during the Civil War called "Merrill's Horse." Merrill's Horse was engaged in fighting guerrillas and partisan units in central Missouri. Though his wartime achievements were impressive and are well-known, Merrill is perhaps best remembered for his service after the war, when he was instrumental in disbanding the Ku Klux Klan in South Carolina. There, he commanded various companies in George A. Custer's famous 7th US Cavalry in an effort to quell violence and destroy the KKK. For Merrill's actions, he was officially thanked by the War Department. See Lot 56 (Day 1) in this auction for an earlier document appointing Merrill as 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Dragoons during his early Western service.

[Reconstruction, Civil War, Union, Confederate, Civil Rights, Ku Klux Klan, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Militaria, ]