Description:

Rutherford Hayes
Washington, DC, ca. 1878-1901
(2) R. B. Hayes & (1) T. Roosevelt Commission for Father & Son: Agent to Dakota Indians and San Juan Hill Hero
Partially printed DS

A collection of three signed documents, including two from Rutherford B. Hayes and another from Theodore Roosevelt. Ranging in date between 1878 and 1901. All three are in connection to father and son William H. and Charles D. Parkhurst, the latter of which was wounded at the Battle of San Juan Hill in 1898. Exhibits varying degrees of surface creasing, age toning, and light staining throughout. Three or four hole punches present to left side edge of each, not affecting signatures or text. Negligible tearing present to lower edge of William Parkhurst commission. Otherwise, very good.

The lot includes:

1.) Partial-printed appointment naming "W. H. Parkhurst of Providence, Rhode Island… to be agent for the Indians of the Lower Brulé agency in Dakota…". 1p, measuring 16" x 20.5", Washington, D.C., May 31, 1880. Signed by the President at lower right as "R. B. Hayes" and countersigned by Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz.

2.) Partial-printed commission naming Charles D. Parkhurst a "first lieutenant in the fifth regiment of cavalry… to rank as such from the twenty-third day of august eighteen hundred and seventy-eight." 1p, measuring 15.75" x 19.25", Washington, D.C., December 27, 1878. Signed by the President as "R. B. Hayes" and countersigned by Secretary of War George W. McCrary, with additional docketing at upper left from the Adjutant General's office.

3.) Partial-printed appointment naming the same Charles D. Parkhurst a "Major in the Artillery Corps… to rank as such from the twenty-third day of September nineteen hundred and one." 1p, measuring 16" x 21", Washington, D.C., September 24, 1901. Signed at lower right as "Theodore Roosevelt" ten days after becoming President and countersigned by Acting Secretary of War, with additional docketing at upper left from the Adjutant General's office.

Charles Dyer Parkhurst (1849-1931) was a distinguished officer of the U.S. Armed Forces, having first served in the Fifth Cavalry during the Western Indian Campaign of the 1870s. In 1886, he was transferred to the field artillery as captain during the Spanish-American war, and later received the Silver Star citation for his actions at the Battle of San Juan Hill. Parkhurst retired from active service in April 1899 after being wounded the previous year, but continued to work in the coast artillery until 1906, when he was commissioned a Colonel.

His father, William Henry Parkhurst (1822-1887), was previously commissioned as a Captain of the Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He later served as an Agent of the Lower Brulé Agency from 1880 to 1883.

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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  • Dimensions: Largest: 16" x 21"
  • Medium: Partially printed DS

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