Two Military Commissions, Dr. Charles A. Leale

An 1866 commission for the rank of captain, signed (stamped signature) by President Andrew Johnson and the Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. It is dated January 5th 1866. Pinned to the commission is Leale's 14k gold, silver and enameled Medical service medal which is inscribed verso "C.A. Leale M.D., Captain, Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A. 1865". The lot also includes Dr. Leale's commission to become the Assistant Surgeon of Volunteers dated April 8th, 1865. This is also signed by President Johnson and Stanton. The lot also includes a contemporary CDV of Leale wearing the medal. Both commissions are printed on vellum. Charles Augustus Leale (March 26, 1842 ? June 13, 1932) was a surgeon in the Union Army during the American Civil War[1] and the first doctor to arrive at the presidential box at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865 after John Wilkes Booth fatally shot President Abraham Lincoln in the head. His prompt treatment allowed Lincoln to live until the next morning. Leale continued to serve in the army until 1866, after which he returned to his home town of New York City where he established a successful private practice and became involved in charitable medical care. One of the last surviving witnesses to Lincoln's death, Leale died in 1932 at the age of 90.

Dimensions:Each commission is 19" x 15 1/2".

Provenance:From a Main Line collection.
Condition Report: Excellent condition with minor expected wear.