Apparently there has been some dispute over who has the rights to publish my biography.  I wrote the publisher C.F. Vent & Co. to clarify matters.

St. Louis, Mo

Sept. 18th 1865

C. F. Vent & Co

Sirs;
Your letter of the 16th inst. stating that Gn. Smith, formerly “Chief of Cavy” with me claims exclusive privilege access to the material to write my biography, and that Coppee’s claims are false, is received.
Gen. Smith asked of me the privilege of writing the biography he speaks of and being an old friend was not refused. Prof. Coppee however had asked the privilege of writing the work he advertises long before General Smith said any thing to me about the work he now proposed and I promised him all the information from my office he might require that was not inconsistent to give. Prof. C. so far as I know, has been furnished with all he asked. I do not know what he has said in his book but without intending that exclusive privilege should be given to one author Prof. Coppee is the only one, up to this time, who has had access to any information from my HdQrs. for the purpose of writing a book and Gn. Smith is the only other who has had the promise of any thing of the kind. Their works are different, one being a biography the other a history of Campaigns in this War.

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 15, p 323

I have finally returned to Washington, and I wrote Congressman Washburne about a mutual investment matter.

Washington Oct. 8th 1865

Dear Washburne,
I reached this city yesterday and have been busy since in getting out orders I desire, and which I could get out in less than one tenth of the time if there was nothing between me and getting of them out, which will reduce expenses materially.—On arrival I found your letter relative to our Jay Cook speculation. I saw Cook. He says that he took advantage of our confidence in him and changed our speculation so that we will make about $25.00 to close out now. I said close. Even would be a good thing and I guess the best we can do is to let Cook close up for us at once.
My whole trip has been conducive to health if one judges from corpulence. I have got to be afraid to weigh almost. Mrs Grant and children keep pace with me, in enjoyment of travel, if one judges from the difficulty with which they are got up to time in starting from any point where we have spent a day.
Our kindest regards to Mrs. Washburne and children. Soon we will be fixed at housekeeping and will always have a spare room for you which we expect you to occupy when you are in Washington.—I left Mrs. Grant and children in Phila to do Fall shopping but will go after them this evening.
Yours Truly,

U. S. Grant

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 15, p 332