Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) [Appointment of Godfrey Weitzel as Brigadier General of Volunteers]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01115 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Printed document signed Date: 17 March 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : vellum ; 48.9 x 40.3 cm. Order a Copy
Also signed by Edwin McMasters Stanton as Secretary of War, and by Edward Davis Townsend as Assistant Adjutant General. Townsend attests that this appointment is recorded in the Adjutant General's office. Serves as an official United States Presidential form for appointments, containing an image of an eagle at the top of the page and a knight's helmet, weapons, and musical instruments resting amongst several flags at the bottom of the page. Contains a blue War Office seal.
Weitzel served in various capacities during the Civil War. As Brigadier General of Volunteers, he commanded the 25th Army Corps, composed entirely of African American soldiers. Grant eventually placed Weitzel in charge of all Union forces in Virginia located north of the James River. Weitzel's command was among the first Northern units to enter the Confederate capital of Richmond after it fell in April 1865. Weitzel made his headquarters in the "White House" of the Confederacy (from www.ohiohistorycentral.org).
THE
PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA,
To all who shall see these presents greeting:
Know Ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of Godfrey Weitzel I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him Brigadier General of Volunteers, in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the twentyninth day of August, eighteen hundred and sixty two. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Brigadier General by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.
And I do strictly charge, and require all Officers and Soldiers under his command, to be obedient to his orders as Brigadier General, And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America, or the General, or other superior Officers set over him, according to the rules and discipline of War. This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States, for the time being.
GIVEN under my hand, at the City of Washington, this seventeenth day of March in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty three and in the Eighty seventh year of the Independence of the United States.
By the President, Abraham Lincoln
Edwin M Stanton
Secretary of War.
[docket]
Recorded Volume 17 Page 112.
Adjt. General's Office.
March 17, 1863.
E. D. Townsend
Asst. Adjt. Genl.
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