Remarkable and rare engraved DS, one page, 21 x 16.5, no date. An ornately detailed patriotic certificate announcing that “William Beckett, 2nd N. Y. Vols. was a soldier, and is now a Member of the Society of the Army of the Potomac.” Countersigned by Horatio C. King as secretary. Central horizontal and vertical fold, uniform toning from previous display, a small separation at the top edge, reparative tape along the horizontal fold on the reverse, and light brushing to the end of Grant’s signature, otherwise fine condition.
Signed by Grant as society president, and secretary Horatio King, this certificate confirmed at one such meeting, Beckett, a soldier of the 2nd N.Y. Volunteers, as a member of "Society of the Army of the Potomac," a fraternal organization for veterans of the Army of the Potomac. Pictured in the document are generals Burnside, McClellan, Meade and Hooker, all former presidents of the society.
On May 6, 1885, the Society opened its annual reunion in Baltimore. Eleven different participating corps met in individual meetings and elected officers and passed resolutions. At 2 p.m., the business meeting began at Ford's Grand Opera House which was elaborately decorated as a military camp site. King called the meeting to order and spoke for Grant who was unable to attend due to ill health; Hunt chaired. Grant was reelected president "amid the wildest enthusiasm and applause" and notified immediately by telegraph. On behalf of Grant, King read a telegram in response thanking the society "in electing me for the second time their President." Grant died two months later, July 23, 1885, of throat cancer at Mount McGregor, NY. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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