James Madison Document Signed Naval Appointment, Richmond Johnson as Surgeon in the Navy

James Madison (1751-1836) Fourth President of the United States considered the ‘Father of the Constitution', he authored the Federalist papers and sponsored the Bill of Rights. Partly-printed D.S. 1p. folio, Washington, March 1, 1815, a military commission appointing Richmond Johnson as a ‘Surgeon in the Navy'. Countersigned by BENJAMIN W. CROWNINSHIELD as Secretary of the Navy. Crowninshield (1772 -1851) served under both James Madison and James Monroe. Engrossment and signatures are light; also exhibits light scattered foxing and damp staining, still good.he document follows the standard engraved naval commission form of the Madison era with the cloud and eagle vignette at the head and the naval trophy grouping at the foot. Naval surgeons occupied a critical role in the early American fleet, and commissions to medical officers are somewhat less commonly encountered than those to line officers. Madison naval commissions in any form are desirable. Approximate dimensions 18 x 14 inches. This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.