DS as president, one page, 14.75 x 19.75, April 18, 1865. President Johnson appoints George H. Wallace a first lieutenant in the infantry. Signed at the conclusion in black ink, “Andrew Johnson,” and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Dated three days after taking office. This document was originally prepared for Lincoln's signature and dated March 18, 1865. After Lincoln's assassination on April 15th, the date was changed by scratching off “March” and replacing it with “April.” (The adjutant general’s docket in the upper left corner still records the original date as being March 18th - prior to Johnson’s presidency). In very good condition, with several noticeable heavy storage folds, overall wrinkling, linear creasing to all edges and Johnson’s signature a couple of shades light, but completely legible. The blue wafer seal is intact. Shortly after taking office Johnson injured his arm and ordered a steel stamp to be made of his signature, thus becoming the first president to use a stamped signature. As a result, virtually all such military appointments bear his stamped signature. An unusual and interesting presidential rarity. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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