James Madison War of 1812-Dated Rare Boldly Signed Military Commission

James Madison
Washington, D.C., May 10, 1813
James Madison War of 1812-Dated Rare Boldly Signed Military Commission
PPDS

A 1p military commission boldly signed by 4th U.S. President James Madison (1751-1836) as "James Madison" near lower right, and countersigned by U.S. Secretary of War John Armstrong, Jr. (1758-1843) as "John Armstrong" near lower left. May 10, 1813. Washington, D.C. The document is partly printed and partly manuscript on vellum. Expected wear including creases and wrinkles, with scattered light stains, else near fine. 15.5" x 10.375."

The presidential commission conferred the rank of Brevet Major upon Ethan A. Clary, an officer in the 40th Regiment of United States Infantry, effective June 1, 1813.

Ethan A. Clary (1777-1849) was born in Sunderland, Massachusetts. He served in various military, auxiliary, and municipal capacities over the course of his lifetime. Clary served at the U.S. Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1809-1812 until the outbreak of the War of 1812 led to his becoming a recruiting officer in Boston. In March 1814, Clary joined the 40th Regiment with the rank of First Lieutenant. He served in the armed forces until his unit disbanded after the war's end in June 1815. Clary returned to the U.S. Armory at Springfield from 1816-1833, and from 1833-1842, he served as a deputy naval officer at the customs house in Boston. For more information about Ethan A. Clary, please consult Charles Wells Chapin, "Sketches of the Old Inhabitants and Other Citizens of Old Springfield?" (Springfield: Springfield Printing & Binding Company, 1893), especially pp. 143-145.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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unfolded: 15.5" x 10.375"