Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 11.5 x 7.75, June 20, 1812. President Madison appoints William Widgeon as "a sailmaker in the Navy of the United States." Signed at the conclusion by President James Madison and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton. Handsomely archivally matted and framed with two images and a caption to an overall size of 19.25 x 24.25. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling and trimmed edges. Widgeon was assigned to the USS Constitution, serving as its sailmaker from July 3, 1812–June 22, 1815. He was one of the few members of Constitution’s War of 1812 crew who served during all of the ship’s battles: he was on board Old Ironsides during her engagements with HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812, with HMS Java on December 29, 1812, and with HMS Cyane and HMS Levant on February 20, 1815.
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