John A. Dix (soldier, attorney, and politician) was commissioned Major General by President Lincoln in 1861 and served in administrative positions during the Civil War, issuing the military pass in this collection during that time; after the war he became minister to France (1866-69), then returned to New York State to resume his professional and business activities. In his letter of December 1, 1869, written to “My dear Colonel,” he discusses a recent land purchase and investment opportunity,and urges his friend to visit him soon.