Each letter is on a paper sheet, the first folded to 5.25x8.25" and the second 5x8". The first is from Lincoln and Johnson's Secretary of War. Upper corner has small embossed image of the Capitol with word "Congress" above. Stanton is writing "Major General Hancock" with these words as the final text of the letter. Rest of letter top to bottom reads: "Washington Nov 24. 1865/General/Please accept my hardy thanks for your photograph-Mrs. Stanton pronounces it excellent and I agree with her. With best compliments to Mrs. Hancock I am/truly yours/Edwin M Stanton." Sheet has minor foxing marks, folds as mailed and on reverse an extra vertical fold plus inked notation written long ago (19th Century) which appears to read: "Washington Nov. 24/65/Hon. E.M. Stanton/Concerning a photograph of Gen. H provided writer Sec. of War./(A reply)." The second letter is from Stanton's son and was sent to famous Philadelphia Civil War era photographer noted for portraiture, Frederick Gutekunst, whose studio was on Arch Street. The writer concludes letter below his own signature with : "Mr. F. Gutekunst/Philadelphia." Rest of letter reads: "Washington/1st December 1865/Dear Sir:/My father directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 28th Ultimo(meaning November) and to return to you his thanks for the admirable photograph of General Grant which you had previously sent him. The letter referred to in your note in some way failed to reach him. He never saw it. The photograph he regards as a faithful likeness and excellent work of art; and he appreciates your kindness./Your obedient servant,/E.L. Stanton." Slightest tanning. .5" split on vertical fold. Overall Exc. Letter comes with a 1962 Bucks Co. Pa. Courier-Times Newspaper clipping about discovery of two dozen Civil War era letters related to Gutekunst and their sale to benefit the "Washington Crossing (the Delaware River) Foundation." The letter from Stanton to Hancock is mentioned and shown in the article. Comes with Hakes COA.