This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/29/2019
A key member of the U.S. Army & a Union 2-star general during the Civil War, Abner Doubleday would make history when he fired the first shot in defense of Fort Sumter, the opening battle of the war. He also had a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite being widely known for his time during the war, Doubleday's influence can still be seen in San Francisco where his patented cable car system still runs today. Offered here is an extremely rare military appointment document in which Doubleday, as "The Commanding Officer of the Seventeenth Regiment of U.S. Infantry," assigns John McKenah to "Corporal in Company C of the Seventeenth Regiment of U.S. Infantry in the service of the United States." Crisply signed at the conclusion by Lt. Col. Doubleday and countersigned by the regiment's acting adjutant. In overall fine condition, the document exhibits some areas of spotting, as well as intersecting creases. A rare piece of military history signed by one of the leading generals of the Civil War! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.