Uncommon partly-printed vellum DS, one page, 14 x 17, March 20, 1919. As Acting Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt appoints Robert E. P. Elmer as "a Lieutenant in the Navy." Signed at the conclusion by Roosevelt, adding "Acting" to the cabinet position printed below. The blue Navy Department seal affixed at the bottom is creased but intact. Professionally double-matted using archival materials and framed under premium UV protected anti-glare glass to an overall size of 20.75 x 23.75. In fine condition.
This commission is also signed by Registrar F. J. Schuyler, but not by President Woodrow Wilson. During this period, such documents were customarily signed by the President in addition to the Secretary (or, in this case, Acting Secretary) of the Navy; but, from March 14 to June 18, 1919, Woodrow Wilson was in Paris, France attending the Paris Peace Conference. This document was signed just six days into FDR’s tenure as "acting" secretary—a highly desirable example.
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