U. S. Grant

Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8.5 x 11, December 13, 1870. President Grant authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the "Full power authorizing Daniel E. Sickles to treat concerning claims, with the Government of Spain." Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President Ulysses S. Grant. In fine condition.

Daniel E. Sickles served as U.S. Minister to Spain from 1869 to 1874, appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant during a period of political upheaval following the Spanish Revolution of 1868. During his tenure, he worked to protect American commercial interests and became deeply involved in diplomacy surrounding the Ten Years’ War in Cuba, particularly during the controversial Virginius Affair of 1873, when Spanish authorities executed several crew members of an American-flagged ship accused of aiding Cuban rebels. The crisis brought the United States and Spain to the brink of war and led to Sickles' resignation; his successor, Caleb Cushing, ultimately defused the situation and negotiated reparations for the families of the dead.