Autograph letter signed ("Schuyler Hamilton"), 2 pages on a single folded bifolium sheet of ruled stationery. Written from "363 West 28th St. / New York City", dated 29 September 1878. Addressed to famed Philadelphia portrait photographer "F. Gutekunst, Esqr. / No. 712 Arch St." Measures approx. 5 x 8 in.

A superb letter directly linking a prominent Union combat general to one of 19th-century America's most celebrated master photographers. Major General Schuyler Hamilton (1822 - 1903), grandson of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, Mexican War hero, and Union commander who engineered the pivotal canal bypassing Island No. 10, writes warmly to Gutekunst regarding his latest photographic sittings.

The text reads in full: "363 West 28th St / New York City / Sept 29, 1878 / F. Gutekunst, Esqr. / No. 712 Arch St. / Dear Sir: / I was agreeably surprised to recieve the last proof of my photograph—It is a good likeness and in all respects satisfactory. You will please send me at your convenience 11 additional ones to make the dozen— / I am glad to learn the picture of the group was a success— / Yours truly, / Schuyler Hamilton". The lower verso retains Gutekunst’s docketing in ink: "Genl Schuyler Hamilton / Sept 29/78".

Autograph material linking senior Civil War commanders directly to major studio photographers concerning their portraits are decidedly uncommon.

[Civil War, Schuyler Hamilton, General Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton, Frederick Gutekunst, Gutekunst Studio, Arch Street Philadelphia, 19th Century Photography, Autograph Letter Signed, ALS, Mexican War, Island No. 10, Photography Lore, Military Autographs]

Very good condition. Clean, unblemished wove paper with original horizontal mailing fold and sharp, rich brown ink script throughout.