Autographed Letter Signed twice

Brooklyn, NY, 1880. unbound. 2 pages, 7.75 x 4.75 inches, signed once in the body and again at the conclusion, Brooklyn, New York, February 21, 1880, to Commander (later Rear Admiral) Reginald F. Nicholson, requesting that his grandson be allowed to board naval vessels, in full: "Do you wish a recruit -- a young officer? My grandson, Master Henry Ward Beecher Jr, would be obliged to you for permission to go aboard of some of the ships, and generally to see what is to be seen. It may be that he will fall in love with sea life. His grandfather, at his age, was infatuated with an ambition to enter the Navy. It would have made some difference in his life, (truncated) if he had." Mounting strips on the back page; otherwise in very good condition. American Congregationalist Minister and social reformer. (Inventory #: 273304)