Title: 1876 Letter Signed by President Ulysses S. Grant Congratulating Peruvian President Mariano Ignacio Prado on his election and the "free choice of your fellow citizens..." with a focus on " improving the existing friendly relations between Peru and the United States"– A rare example of Official Diplomatic Correspondence co-signed by Hamilton Fish.

Description:
Letter Signed (LS) by President Ulysses S. Grant, dated November 14, 1876, as President of the United States. This elegant one-page letter (front and verso), measuring 10.5" x 15.5", is addressed to His Excellency Mariano Ignacio Prado, Constitutional President of the Republic of Peru. Penned in a refined secretarial hand, the letter acknowledges Prado's inauguration and reaffirms the mutual desire for cordial U.S.–Peru relations. It is boldly signed in ink by Grant and countersigned by Secretary of State Hamilton Fish, who adds his signature beneath the phrase "By the President." The letter remains in fine condition, with even toning and only minor handling wear, making it an exceptional piece of 19th-century presidential diplomacy.

Historical Context:
At the time of this letter, Ulysses S. Grant was completing the final months of his second presidential term (1869–1877), having guided the nation through Reconstruction. This letter acknowledges the inauguration of Mariano Ignacio Prado, who had been elected President of Peru for the second time in 1876 after previously holding the office during the 1860s. Both nations were navigating complex political landscapes—Grant was overseeing post-Civil War recovery and international engagement, while Prado was returning to leadership in Peru during a time of economic and political change. Letters such as this one were essential tools of formal diplomacy, symbolizing peaceful engagement and respect between sovereign nations.

Full Transcription:
Ulysses S. Grant,
President of the United States of America.

To His Excellency
Mariano Ignacio Prado,
Constitutional President of the Republic of Peru.

Great and Good Friend:
I have received the letter which Your Excellency addressed to me on the 26th of August last, announcing your inauguration as President of the Republic of Peru, to which post you had been called by the free choice of your fellow citizens.
I congratulate Your Excellency upon this mark of the confidence of your countrymen.
The purpose which you express of doing everything which may be practicable towards improving the existing friendly relations between Peru and the United States is cordially reciprocated by me.

I pray Your Excellency to accept the assurances of my earnest wish for the prosperity of Peru: and so commending you to the care of the Almighty, I am
Your Good Friend,
U.S. Grant

By the President:
Hamilton Fish
Secretary of State

Washington, November 14, 1876.

Closing Appeal:
This dignified and rare presidential letter exemplifies 19th-century statecraft and U.S. diplomatic formalities under President Grant. Featuring the full signature of Ulysses S. Grant alongside that of Hamilton Fish, one of America’s most respected Secretaries of State, this artifact offers historical insight into early U.S.–Latin American relations. Its preservation, size, and prominent signatories make it a highly desirable and significant piece for collectors of presidential autographs, diplomatic correspondence, and Grant-era Americana.