Uncommon partly printed DS as president, one page, 13.5 x 17.25, September 2, 1852. Fillmore appoints Romeyn B. Ayres to the rank of “First Lieutenant in the Third Regiment of Artillery.” Signed at the conclusion by Fillmore, and countersigned by Secretary of War Charles Conrad. Three punch holes to left edge, intersecting storage folds, one through a single letter of signature, and mild overall soiling, otherwise fine condition. The white seal is worn, but intact.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, Ayres was a captain given command of a division despite his lack of infantry experience. That inexperience showed as two of his brigades were nearly captured after engaging Confederate troops and suffered heavy casualties. Surprisingly, in spite of the nearly disastrous encounter, Ayres received praise for his performance and was promoted to the rank of major.
Fillmore ascended to the presidency following the death of Zachary Taylor in 1850. The last member of the Whig Party to serve as chief executive, Fillmore failed to win election to a full term in the 1852 election. This document serves as an uncommon pairing of a man who would become a Civil War general with the 13th President of the United States. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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