Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 13.25 x 8.25, May 15, 1823. President Monroe appoints "Francis S. Key" as "a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States." Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President James Monroe, and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard. In fine condition. According to the Naval Register, Francis S. Key, a citizen of the District of Columbia, was assigned to the West India squadron in 1825, and served aboard the Sloop Warren in 1827. An interesting document boasting an iconic name—perhaps a relation of Maryland lawyer, author, and poet Francis Scott Key, famed as the author of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
