ALFRED THOMAS ARCHIMEDES TORBERT (1833-1880) was a career U.S. Army officer, commanding both infantry and cavalry forces in the American Civil War. He commanded a brigade at the Battle of Antietam and fought in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. After the war, Torbert served in a number of diplomatic posts: as U.S. Consul to El Salvador in1869, U.S. Consul General in Havana in 1871, and U.S. Consul General in Paris in 1873.

2 pp, 5 x 8, ALS, Milford, Delaware, June 28, 1869, Torbert writes to the Secretary of the U.S. Navy, Gen. G.M. Robeson.

“My dear friend  

“You have no friend in the country who was more pleased than myself at the announcement of Saturday last that you had taken charge of the Navy Portfolio. Good for you my dear cuss. The Georgetown & Milford speeches were not made for nothing.

“My dear fellow don't say that you are too busy to drop me a line for I would like to know where you will be the greater part of the summer whether in Washington, Cape May or Camden. My present arrangements are to rail for Salvador September 1st.

“Mrs. Torbert joins me in hearty congratulations for your desired promotion.

“With much esteem

“Genl Torbert”

GEORGE MAXWELL ROBESON (1829-1897) was an American politician and lawyer from New Jersey. A brigadier general in the New Jersey Militia during the American Civil War, he served as Secretary of the Navy, appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant, from 1869 to 1877. A member of the Republican Party, he also served two terms as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey from 1879 to 1883.

Pencil notations from a previous collector and some light damage to the top edge at verso, which doesn’t affect the text of the letter. Expected mailing folds and light toning.

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