Choice partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 14.75 x 19.25, February 12, 1862. President Lincoln appoints Ethan A. Hitchcock as “Major General of Volunteers in the service of the United States.” Crisply signed at the conclusion by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. The blue seal affixed to the upper left remains fully intact with mild soiling. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, a crease to the upper left, and tiny holes at the left edge of the central fold.
The grandson of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen, Hitchcock served with distinction in the Mexican-American War as General Winfield Scott's inspector general in the march on Mexico City. After retiring in 1855 when Secretary of War Jefferson Davis refused to extend a leave of absence, Hitchcock applied to return to service at the outbreak of the Civil War. He was initially rejected, but Winfield Scott intervened on his behalf and secured this commission as major general. Allen soon served as the chairman of the War Board, the organization that assisted Lincoln and Stanton in the management of the War Department and the command of the Union armies. A wonderfully preserved high-level Civil War military appointment by President Lincoln. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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