Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 14.75 x 17.75, February 26, 1852. President Fillmore appoints C. F. M. Spotswood "as a Lieutenant in the Navy…in the service of the United States." Signed at the conclusion in ink by Millard Fillmore, and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy William A. Graham. The beige Navy Department seal is affixed to the lower right. In very good to fine condition, with light staining, and small repairs, along the intersecting folds.
Charles Fenton Mercer Spotswood (1813–1892) served in both the United States Navy and the Confederate States Navy, commanding the C.S.S. Patrick Henry and the C.S.S. Georgia during the Civil War. From his obituary: 'He entered the United States Navy at 14, served throughout the Mexican War and was distinguished for gallantry at the storming of Vera Cruiz. When Nat Turner’s insurrection broke out in Southampton County, Midshipman Spotswood was with the Government forces that suppressed it and brought that infamous fomenter of strife to justice. His next service was on the coast of Africa and he was on board the Yorktown when it wrecked on the coast. When the Great War between the States broke out Lieutenant Spotswood, believing that his allegiance was due to his State, resigned his commission and entered the service of the Confederacy. He was soon promoted to a captaincy and served with gallantry and distinction until the end of the war.'
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