Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15 x 18.5, April 18, 1869. President Grant appoints Edward T. Townsend as “Adjutant General with the rank of Brigadier General in the service of the United States.” Neatly signed at the conclusion by Grant and boldly countersigned by Secretary of State John Aaron Rawlins. Document retains its original crisp blue seal affixed to the upper left. In fine condition, with central vertical and horizontal folds. Townsend was the grandson of Elbridge Gerry and served in the Second Seminole War.
In addition to an excellent U. S. Grant signature, this document is also signed at the upper left by the Assistant Adjutant General J. C. Kelton. Until this time, Townsend himself had signed all the military commissions as Asst Adj General during Lincoln’s Presidency. Townsend (1817-1893) also served as one of the honor guard at the casket of President Lincoln.
Military appointments are one of the most sought after types of presidential documents. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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