Ulysses S. Grant letter signed as President of the newly chartered Mexican Southern Railroad Company, one of Grant's business ventures post-Presidency. On company letterhead dated 17 December 1881, Grant writes to Colonel Charles H. Tompkins, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient and one of nine officers tasked with investigating the assassination of President Lincoln. He and Grant didn't get along, with Grant even stationing him in remote posts after the war. Letter reads in full, ''Dear Colonel: Your letter of the 12th of December was duly received. The letter which you request a copy of is not in my possession, but if files are kept at the Executive Mansion, as there were while I was president, it probably will be found on file there. I will send to the President a request asking him to furnish you with a copy of it. / Truly yours / [signed] U.S. Grant''. Letter measures 8.25'' x 10.5'', accompanied by an engraving of Grant to a size of 10.75'' x 24.5''. Folds and partially mounted to board, overall very good condition.