Washington: 2/23/1863.

A fascinating officer's commission signed by Abraham Lincoln and his Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, during the Civil War. Orrin E. Davis was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the Eighteenth Infantry Regiment. Orrin fought at the Battles of Shiloh and Corinth and was captured during the pursuit of Braxton Bragg in Kentucky. After his release he saw heavy action at Murfreesboro, Stone's River, and Atlanta. The document reads: The President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents greeting: Know Ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patrician, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Orrin E. Davis, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him Second Lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry, in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the nineteenth day of February eighteenth hundred and sixty three. H is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Second Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. An I do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under his command, to be obedient to his orders as Second Lieutenant And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America, or the General, or other superior Officers set over him, according to the rules and discipline of War. This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being. Given under my hand at the City of Washington, this twenty third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three and in the eighty seventh year of the Independence of the United States. The document is on one page of vellum, with engravings of eagle and colors and equipment with blue wafer seal of the War Office. The document has been archivally framed.

ISBN: none.

[Item #ATG00068]