Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) [Commission of James B. McPherson as Captain in the Corps of Engineers]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04680 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 6 August 1861 Pagination: 1 p. : vellum ; 45.2 x 35.4 cm. Order a Copy
This document is a record of the commission of James B. McPherson, signed by Abraham Lincoln as President and countersigned by Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. Also signed recorded in the Adjutant General's office 10 August 1861 by L. Thomas, Adjutant General. Includes vignette engravings of war weapons, supplies, and flags by J.V.N. and C.H and a spread eagle at the top. Accompanied by a blue seal.
McPherson graduated West Point in 1853 at the top of his class. He had a successful war career and succeeded Sherman as Commander of the Army of Tennessee. He was killed during the final encirclement of Atlanta 22 July 1864.
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 James B. McPherson I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him Captain in the Corps of Engineers, in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the sixth day of August, eighteen hundred and sixty one. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain 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 Captain 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 sixth day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty one and in the Eighty Sixth year of the Independence of the United States.
By the President, Abraham Lincoln
Simon Cameron
Secretary of War.
[docket]
Recorded. Vol. 17. Page 14.
Adjutant General's Office,
August 10, 1861.
L. Thomas
Adjt. Genl.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.