(1839 - 1881) Union brigadier general who fought at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, wounded assaulting the ‘Bloody Angle’ at Spotsylvania and defended Washington from Early's raid. Good content, war-date A.L.S., 3pp. 4to., ‘Head Qrs. 121 N[ew] Y[ork] V[olunteers]’, Sept. 27, 1863, to an unnamed colonel, in part: ‘Since leaving you I have seen several General officers, who have been pleased to give me recommendations for promotion to the rank of Brig. Gen of Vols. I send you recommendations, from Gen. [William F.] Bartlett, Gen. [Horatio G.] Wright, and Gen. [John] Sedgwick, who are my Brigade, Division, & Corps Commanders. The paper has taken the official channel & will probably arrive in Washington tomorrow morning. I have not a copy of Gen [George G.] Meade’s indorsement [sic], but he told Gen. Wright that he would enclose it with pleasure. I also send recommendations from other General officers under & with whom I have served – viz Maj Gen’s [Joseph] Hooker, [Daniel] Butterfield, [John] Newton & [Henry W.] Slocum – Brig Gens [Alfred] Torbert, [Albion P.] Howe, [Thomas H.] Neil, [Frank] Wheaton & others… I am told by all that political influence is necessary. Promotion on military grounds I would be far more proud of, but political well may have to be resorted to – however I prefer to try the first… I feel that I may be asking too much but if necessary will you see gen. [Henry W.] Halleck , the Secretary of War & the President & place the papers actually before them?…’ He signs ‘E. Upton’ in black ink at the conclusion, adding a post-script and signing again with his initials ‘E. U.’ Shows original mailing folds, slightly toned at the edges and with cello tape marks to the verso, otherwise in very good to fine overall condition. Despite Upton’s efforts here, he would not receive his promotion until after his actions at Spotsylvania the following year – thus earning it on ‘military grounds’ as he preferred.