Autographed Letter Signed

Washington, 1868. unbound. 2 pages (front and back), 8 x 5 inches, Washington, July 14, 1868. Complimentary letter signed in full by the Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War, declining an invitation to a banquet in honor of Reverdy Johnson, in part: "...I shall not be able to attend the Banquet given to your distinguished fellow citizen...but I embrace the opportunity of expressing my high praise for him as a man...and in so many important positions made useful to his country..." Natural folds and one crease; still very good condition.