1885 Letter From Isaac S. Hartley about Elliott F. Shepard, Rare Watermark

Description

1885 Letter from Isaac S. Hartley to Mr. Cunningham about Elliott F. Shepard, Wm. H. Vanderbilt and William Oland Brown. Seems to be a letter about famous autographs.
Isaac S. Hartley wrote several books, Horatio Seymour, Dedication of the Site of Old Fort Schuyler, Sundays in the Adirondacks and others. Many of his books are still in print. Lived in Utica, New York.  Text of letter as follows, as written:
Utica Jan. 28, 85.
Mr. Cunningham
My Dear Sir,
Mr. Elliott F. Shepherd was "Aide d'Camp"  to Gov. Morgan in the beginning of the war. He became Colonel the "Shepherds Rifle" a N. York regiment (named for the Colonel) and was quite prominent in the early part of the war. He married the eldest daughter of Mr. Wm. H Vanderbilt of New York & live in the house adjoining him in 5th Ave. N. York. If he wernt? his property of his father-in-law he mite be one of the nicest men in America.
Wm. Oland Bourne is a poet - He has written many songs for soldiers in the war - His hymns & other poems have been published.
I send you enclosed an autograph of Judge M. H. Merwin, who is still on the bench, as you may know.
Very truly
yours,
Isaac S. Hartley
Letter features a partial Egyptian Linen watermark. Can not find any reference to this watermark.
Interesting letter from a noted author about famous people from the era.