Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #27
Millard Fillmore

Fillmore promotes an officer whose inexperience would prove deadly

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

Fillmore promotes an officer whose inexperience would prove deadly

Uncommon partly printed DS as president, one page, 13.5 x 17.25, September 2, 1852. Fillmore appoints Romeyn B. Ayres to the rank of “First Lieutenant in the Third Regiment of Artillery.” Signed at the conclusion by Fillmore, and countersigned by Secretary of War Charles Conrad. Three punch holes to left edge, intersecting storage folds, one through a single letter of signature, and mild overall soiling, otherwise fine condition. The white seal is worn, but intact.

During the Battle of Gettysburg, Ayres was a captain given command of a division despite his lack of infantry experience. That inexperience showed as two of his brigades were nearly captured after engaging Confederate troops and suffered heavy casualties. Surprisingly, in spite of the nearly disastrous encounter, Ayres received praise for his performance and was promoted to the rank of major.

Fillmore ascended to the presidency following the death of Zachary Taylor in 1850. The last member of the Whig Party to serve as chief executive, Fillmore failed to win election to a full term in the 1852 election. This document serves as an uncommon pairing of a man who would become a Civil War general with the 13th President of the United States. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #351 - Ended November 11, 2009





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $50.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.