Autograph letter signed ("Wf. S. Hancock"), 1 page, written in brown ink on laid paper. Governors Island, New York, dated 5 June 5 1883. Addressed at the lower left to noted New York portrait photographer "A. Bogardus Esq / 872 Broadway / New York". Measures approx. 5 x 8 in.

A crisp, complete autograph letter from the hero of Gettysburg, Major General Winfield Scott Hancock (1824 - 1886), written while serving as commander of the Military Division of the Atlantic headquartered on Governors Island.

The letter reads in full: "Governors Island N.Y. / June 5th 1883 / Dear Sir, / Please accept my thanks for the group you kindly sent me. / I will give it a prominent place, as it merits. / Yours truly / Wf. S. Hancock / A. Bogardus Esq / 872 Broadway / New York".

The recipient, Abraham Bogardus (1822 - 1908), was one of 19th-century New York’s premier daguerreotypists and portrait photographers, serving as the first president of the National Photographic Association and operating his high-profile studio at 872 Broadway. Letters connecting leading Civil War field commanders directly to pioneer American photographers concerning portrait work are scarce and desirable across both military manuscript and photographic collecting categories.

[Civil War, Winfield Scott Hancock, General Hancock, Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, Gettysburg, Governors Island, Autograph Letter Signed, ALS, Abraham Bogardus, 872 Broadway, 19th Century Photography, Military Autographs]

Very good condition. The paper is clean and structurally sound, showing two original horizontal mailing folds and minor light age toning. Hancock's ink script and characteristic underscored signature are dark, bold, and fully legible. Verso displays light, honest handling wear and faint period pencil filing notes ("Major General").