Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Commission of George A. Williams.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00010 Author/Creator: Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 11 July 1856 Pagination: 1 p. : vellum : docket ; 44 x 34.8 cm. Order a Copy
Partially printed standard commission form for George A. Williams as first lieutenant of the United States Army. Signed by both Pierce and Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War. "I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him [Williams] First Lieutenant in the First Regiment of Infantry in the service of the United States..." Noted in the upper left hand corner in red: "Recorded, Volume 15, page 425, Adjutant General's Office, July 11, 1856." Signed in black below note "S. Cooper Set. Gen." Two engravings, located below header and as a bas de page engraved by J. V. N. and O. H. Throop, Washington City. White United States of America Office seal attached above the first word of the subheader. Main header: "The President of the United States of America/ E Pluribus Unum." Upper engraving depicts the United States emblem of an eagle holding three arrows in one talon and a branch in the other. Lower engraving shows flags, a plumed helmet and various instruments of war, such as a sabre, bayonets, a war drum and cannons in a pile on grass. Possibly to depict the war department. Accompanied by a paper seal.
Davis later became the President of the Confederacy.
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