DS as president, one page, 13 x 8.25, May 10, 1820. A commission for Lloyd Birt Newell as midshipman. Newell, a native of Georgia, was assigned to the U.S.S. Ontario from 1822–24. Promoted to lieutenant by J. Q. Adams in 1828 and to commander by Millard Fillmore in 1851, he was placed on the reserved list by Franklin Pierce in 1855. On May 7, 1861, the Staunton (Virginia) Spectator reported that on April 26, two weeks after the start of the Civil War, Newell “committed suicide at the Merchant’s Hotel in Philadelphia by shooting himself in the heart with a Colt’s revolver….” The document bears a faint embossed naval seal at upper left. Light intersecting folds (vertical fold to one letter of first name), slightly irregular ink adhesion, and a touch of mild soiling and toning, otherwise fine, bright condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
