British-born American politician and lawyer (1811-1884) who, after serving in the US Senate and rejecting nomination to the Supreme Court, served variously as attorney general, secretary of war, and secretary of state for the Confederacy. Partly-printed war-dated DS, signed “J. P. Benjamin,” one page, 8.25 x 10.25, January 28, 1862. Confederate States of America military commission appointing John Reid to the rank of “Brigadier Commissary Major in the Provisional Army in the service of the Confederate States. You are requested to signify your acceptance or non-acceptance of said appointment: and should you accept you will sign before a magistrate, the oath of office therewith, and forward the same with your letter of acceptance to this Department. Report for duty to Comsy Genl.” Signed at the conclusion by Benjamin. In very good condition, with old tape repairs on reverse of horizontal folds, a couple small fold separations, and scattered toning and soiling. On August 3, 1861, Congressman John Reid withdrew from the US House of Representatives and returned to Missouri. There he organized a company of volunteers and first saw action at the First Battle of Lexington, also known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales. RRAuction COA.
