Civil War–dated partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15.5 x 19.5, August 6, 1861. President Lincoln appoints William W. McKim as “Assistant Quartermaster of Volunteers with the rank of Captain in the service of the United States.” Crisply signed at the conclusion by President Lincoln and countersigned by Acting Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott. The orange seal affixed to the upper left remains fully intact with some rubbing and soiling. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, mild toning, and a tiny pinhole near the bottom.
Most interesting is the uncommon countersignature of Thomas Scott, who Lincoln had just appointed as assistant secretary of war. He was a businessman and executive of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and took on an important role in equipping the military force and coordinating transportation—with his extensive knowledge of railroads, Scott supervised the movement of troops and supplies via rail, improving the efficiency and effectiveness. Scott also helped to organize the Loyal War Governors' Conference in September 1862, which unified support for the Emancipation Proclamation among all the northern states. A superlative example of a military appointment from early in the Civil War. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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