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James Garfield DS as President

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
James Garfield DS as President
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President James A. Garfield military appointment signed, dated 14 May 1881. Document awards the rank of captain to George W. Crabb of the Fifth Regiment of Artillery. Signed at the lower right, ''James A. Garfield'' and countersigned by Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln. Less than two months after the signing of this document, on 2 July 1881, President Garfield, walking arm in arm with Secretary of State James G. Blaine, was shot twice at close range by assassin Charles Guiteau. Mortally wounded, the President languished for eighty days before he died on 19 September 1881. Single page document measures 15.5'' x 19.5'' and is printed on parchment with two patriotic emblems flanking the document. Royal blue paper seal is still intact at upper left corner. Very light toning to lower margins and minor creasing to edges, otherwise in fine condition. Any signed items from President Garfield are exceedingly rare -- military appointments even more so -- considering his short tenure in office.