10x8” folded sheet with embossed initial “G” at top center of 5x8” front panel. Grant is writing on his personal stationery from his hometown base for the 1868 presidential campaign, about two weeks prior to election day Nov. 3, 1868. His letter begins “Galena, Ill./Oct. 22d, 1868/Dear Jones:” Grant signed the letter “Yours Truly/U.S. G.” Jones is known (from other letters passed down in the consignor’s family) to be J.Russell Jones, a friend of Grant’s who was a successful businessman in their hometown of Galena. In 1861, President Lincoln appointed Jones United States Marshal for Northern Illinois. Jones in 1863 became a Chicago resident and also president of the Chicago West Division Railroad. In 1869, after his inauguration, Grant appointed Jones Minister to Belgium. Letter has st. age tone, st. ink show-through on each sheet and on otherwise blank reverse, in a different hand, but of the period, is written “U.S. Grant/Oct. 22nd ’68.” In addition to the left edge fold making 10x8” sheet into 5x8” folded sheet, the paper has two horizontal and one vertical fold. On the left edge fold, a center 2.25” is intact while fold above and below is split. On the extra vertical fold, front and back sheet has three split areas totaling 4” while 4” remains intact. The horizontal folds are not split. The rear sheet at the top has a 1” vertical hairline tear, crossing one word. The body of the letter is quite extraordinary and frank being written to a trusted friend and discussing personal concerns, plans and opinions on the election a mere 13 days away. The letter reads “Enclosed I Return You The Two Letters Which You Requested Should Be Returned. I Shall Not Leave Here For Two Or Three Days After The Election In Nov. My Mind Was Made Up To This The Day After You Left Here. I Cannot Realize That There Is Danger; But If It Should Come Before Election It Would Upset Everything. After Election There Would Not Be The Same Insinuation To The Deed Nor Would The Same Damage Accrue. I Will Still Go To Phila. As First Proposed And From There To Washington. I Predict That Seymour’s Apologies For Blair And Correction Of His Statements Made From The Stump Commencing In Buffalo Today Will Injure His Chances For Election More Than All Blair Has Said Will. The Fact Is Blair Represents Truthfully The Element In His Party Which Will Control It If Elected. Seymour Evidently Intends Now To Throw Out A Bait To The Loyal Element. Yours Truly/U.S. G.” Historically important. Unique. Comes with Hake’s COA.