Description:

Abraham Lincoln
Washington, D.C. & Columbus, OH, ca. 1861-1887
Abraham Lincoln Nominates Ohio Quartermaster John J. Elwell as Captain, Plus (4) Brevet Appointments Authorized by Johnson!
Archive

An historically significant archive containing six partially-printed appointments relating to the military career of John J. Elwell (1820-1900). Ranging in date from 1861 to 1887. Highlighted within is a 1p document signed by President Abraham Lincoln and countersigned by acting Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott, as well as four additional brevet appointments stamped with the signatures of Andrew Johnson and Edwin M. Stanton. A later 1887 commission naming Elwell a Notary Public, authorized by Ohio governor Joseph B. Foraker, is also included. Heavy to moderate folds present to all, otherwise very good. Please see below for specific condition information.

The lot includes, in chronological order:

1.) Partial-printed appointment signed "Abraham Lincoln" and countersigned by acting Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott, Washington, D.C., dated August 6, 1861. Measuring 15.5" x 19.5". The document nominates Elwell as an "Assistant Quartermaster of Volunteers with the rank of Captain… from the third day of August eighteen hundred and sixty one." Docketed by the Adjutant General's office and authorized by Lorenzo Thomas (1804-1875). Light soiling to lower margin, well away from signatures and text. Isolated creasing at upper right corner.

2.) Partial-printed brevet appointment featuring the stamped signatures of President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, D.C. dated May 15, 1866. Measuring 15.5" x 19.25". The document promotes Elwell to "the rank of major by brevet… as such from the thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty five; for meritorious services in the Quartermaster's Department during the war." Docketed by the Adjutant General's office at upper left. Scattered age toning around perimeter.

3.) Partial-printed brevet appointment featuring the stamped signatures of Andrew Johnson and Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, D.C., dated May 22, 1866. Measuring 15.75" x 19.25". Similarly, this document promotes Elwell to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on the same grounds of service in the Quartermaster's Department. Docketed by the Adjutant General's office at upper left. Isolated color transfer present from seal to middle left of the page, not affecting text. General soiling to perimeter.

4.) Partial-printed brevet appointment featuring the stamped signatures of Andrew Johnson and Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, D.C., dated August 3, 1866. Measuring 15.5" x 19.25". This example further promotes Elwell to the rank of Colonel on the same grounds of meritorious services. Docketed by the Adjutant General's office at upper left. Light age toning throughout, with isolated staining to upper left corner.

5.) Partial-printed brevet appointment featuring the stamped signatures of Andrew Johnson and Edwin M. Stanton, Washington, D.C., dated March 13, 1867. Measuring 14.75" x 19.5". This final appointment promotes Elwell to the rank of Brigadier General "…for faithful and meritorious services in the Quartermaster's Department during the war." Docketed by the Adjutant General's office at upper left. Exhibits uneven dampstaining throughout, not affecting visibility of text.

6.) Partial-printed appointment signed by Ohio Governor Joseph B. Foraker as "J.B. Foraker" and countersigned by Secretary of State J. S. Robinson, Columbus, OH, dated September 5, 1887. Measuring 13.75" x 16.5". The document appoints Elwell "to be a Notary Public for the County of Cuyahoga for the Term of Three Years, commencing on the 6th day of September A.D. 1887…." Signed on the verso as "J. J. Elwell/ Notary Public". Light age toning throughout, with areas of minor edge wear. Scattered soiling verso.

John Johnson Elwell was a physician and practicing attorney from Ohio who, before being admitted to the bar, served in the state's legislature from 1853 to 1855. Combining the fields of medicine and law, he later published a book in 1860 titled "A Medico-legal Treatise on Malpractice and Medical Evidence", which became one of the first to address the topic of health law. Upon the outbreak of Civil War, Elwell was appointed to the Quartermaster's Department where he was responsible for equipping the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry of Cleveland, the 3d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry of Huron County, and the Sherman Brigade. The latter, named for Senator John Sherman, would notably fight under his brother, William T. Sherman.

In September 1864, then serving as Chief Quartermaster of the Department of the South, Elwell was reassigned to Elmira, NY after contracting yellow fever. While stationed there he purchased horses for the cavalry and supplied the infamous Elmira Prison, which housed as many as 12,000 Confederate POWs. Following General Lee's surrender in 1865, Elwell was breveted four separate times for gallantry, the appointments for which are included in this unique collection.

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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: 15.5" x 19.25"
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