Outstanding partially printed war-dated DS as President, signed “Abraham Lincoln,” one page on vellum, 14.25 x 19.5, February 5, 1862. A document appointing James H. Carleton Major in the Sixth Regiment of Cavalry. Carleton (1814–1873) began his military career with service during the Aroostook and Mexican-American Wars. His experience on the Western frontier led to his appointment to the California Volunteer Regiment, which he led in the famous “California Column” across Arizona, New Mexico, and into Texas. When an expected Confederate invasion of New Mexico failed to materialize, many of the Union forces in the region were sent back East, though Carleton remained and, in August 1862, was placed in command of the Department of New Mexico. In this capacity, Carleton battled mainly against Indian raids, aided by his second-in-command, the famed scout Christopher “Kit” Carson. In 1865, as the war neared its end, he was breveted as a major general, and, after the war, served as Lieutenant Colonel of the 4th Cavalry. He also authored a number of military memoirs, including The Battle of Buena Vista (1848) and The Mountain Meadows Massacre (1859). The document is countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and retains its original embossed paper seal. Folds (one just touching signature), a few very subtle, completely unobtrusive discolorations to upper portion, and a touch of light scattered wrinkling, otherwise in fine, bright condition, with bold, perfect signatures. A stunningly fresh and beautiful example with a notable military association! COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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