Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 14.75 x 17, April 30, 1847. President Polk promotes Allen Lowd to the rank of Major “For gallant conduct in the defense of Fort Brown.” Signed at the conclusion by Polk, and countersigned by Secretary of War William Marcy. Intersecting folds, a uniform shade of overall toning, and some light creasing and wrinkling, otherwise fine condition. The white seal is crisp and intact, but faded.
Lowd was an artillery captain assigned to the aforementioned installation, then named Fort Texas, during the Mexican-American War when Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande and eventually began a week-long bombardment. Lowd was one of the commanders who returned fire, disabling some of the Mexican artillery and leading a continued defense of the fort. After finally repelling the Mexican troops in the first major battle of the Mexican War, the facility was renamed Fort Brown in honor of Major Jacob Brown, who was killed by Mexican artillery fire. The action at Fort Brown turned the Mexican-American border dispute into a war, earning Lowd a promotion for his gallant conduct and and eventually adding one million square miles of territory to the nation. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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