Partly-printed war-dated DS as president, one page, 14 x 18, April 12, 1864. President Lincoln promotes Congressional Medal of Honor recipient John W. Clark to “Assistant Quartermaster of Volunteers, with the rank of Captain in the service of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Matted and framed to an overall size of 26.25 x 30. Apparently dry-mounted and in very good condition, with intersecting folds, one lightly passing through beginning of signature, handwritten portions of document and Stanton’s signature light but still legible, and some scattered light foxing. The blue seal is uniformly worn, but intact.
Also included is Clark’s 1850 Foot Officer Sword, 31 inches long, marked Patented Iron Cutter. Shagreen and brass wire wrapped handle. Brass pommel with chaste vines. Brass knuckle bow with chaste floral designs. Leather scabbard with brass fittings. Accompanied by chamois leather carrying case labeled: “Lt. John Wesley Clark / Qtrm. Corps, U.S. Cavalry (Vt.) / Later Commissioned Capt. / Medal of Honor.” Accompanied by an original 8.5 x 6.5 albumen photo of several generals and line officers, including First Lieutenant Clark, pictured with a goatee, standing closest to the flag, with General Ambrose Burnside seated in the center.
Enlisting in the Sixth Vermont Volunteer Infantry on September 28, 1861, John W. Clark participated in several critical engagements during the course of the Civil War, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant conduct in Virginia on July 28, 1863, when he defended his division’s train against a vastly superior force of Confederates, receiving severe injuries but remaining in the saddle for twenty hours until he had brought his train to safety. He was promoted to captain and assistant quartermaster of volunteers the following year, and remained active until the close of the war. A handsome, war-dated document boasting an especially bold Lincoln signature, made even more desirable by the exceptional accompaniments. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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