LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25063

McPherson Commission Signed by Lincoln, Seward

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 22,000.00 USD
McPherson Commission Signed by Lincoln, Seward
<B>Early James B. McPherson Commission Signed by Lincoln, Stanton,</B></I> "<I>Abraham Lincoln</B></I>", "<I>Edwin M Stanton</B></I>". One page partially printed document, 13.5" x 18", Washington, D.C., May 1, 1862. An outstanding and highly important military commission naming James Birdseye McPherson an "<I>Additional Aide-de-Camp with the rank of Colonel</B></I>". Both signatures are large and bold. That fact alone would make this a most desirable item for the Lincoln collector. Since the officer named rose to become a major general of considerable influence and significance, however, this document is catapulted into that elite class of the finest Civil War memorabilia. James McPherson of Ohio stood apart from his peers from his earliest days at West Point. He graduated 1st in the Class of 1853 and served admirably as a lieutenant until the Civil War made rapid promotions possible. 1861 saw McPherson promoted to captain, only to replace his twin shoulder bars with a lieutenant colonel's oak leaves before year's end. Being on U.S. Grant's staff in early 1862 afforded McPherson opportunities for further advancement. His participation in actions at Forts Henry and Donelson and again at Shiloh led to the promotion earned with the commission comprising this lot. McPherson's promotions continued on a meteoric trajectory for the rest of the year and he was a major general of Volunteers by the fall. A stellar performance at Vicksburg won McPherson command of the Army of Tennessee under Sherman just in time for the Atlanta Campaign. On July 22, James McPherson's war ended when he was shot dead while trying to flee a Confederate ambush. In time he would earn the distinction of being the Union's most highest ranking officer to be killed in action. This commission has the normal folds and an inscribed endorsement in the upper left corner. Overall fine condition.
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