(1840 - 1889) Union brigadier general described by Grant as the army's most promising young officer, leading cavalry with distinction at Five Forks and Appomattox. He also served in the following Indian Wars. Scarce A.L.S., 3pp. 8vo., Santa Fe, Jan. 26, 1882, on ‘Headquarters District of New Mexico’ letterhead, to a ‘Alber’, in part: ‘I do not believe that it is well for me to write General Grant on your business before it is important. Genl. Grant has any number of people writing him all the time, and if I am out in New York I can do far more by talking than by writing. [Gen. Henry W.] Lawton and myself talked the matter over and this was his opinion as well as well as my own. To him, as it is necessary that as soon as you find out that the Winchester people will not need you any more I will do all I can, and will write to Genl. Grant or anyone else in your behalf, but my opinion and Lawton’s is that it is not well to do so at once. Let us know if you have any news, and if it comes to you actually leaving the Winchester people, when it will be – I should much prefer being in New York to writing…’ He boldly signs ‘Your friend Brig Genl R. Mackenzie’ in black ink at the conclusion. Shows some minor brushing to the signature, with original mailing folds, otherwise in fine condition overall.