Partly-printed DS, signed “E. Gerry,” one page, 15 x 9.5, June 4, 1811. Gerry, as governor of Massachusetts, signs a military commission appointing Almond Squier a “Lieutenant of a Company in the Fifth Regiment of Infantry of the First Brigade, and Fourth Division of Militia of this Commonwealth.” Signed on the left side by Gerry. In very good condition, with a few small separations along intersecting folds, small areas of paper loss at junction of folds, scattered light toning and foxing, and light show-through from writing on reverse. The white paper seal is folded and lightly toned, but intact. Gerry’s signature is very crisp and bold, and unaffected by the flaws. In his 1995 reference History Comes to Life, Kenneth Rendell places Gerry’s autograph material into the “rare” category among the Signers. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
