Description:

Polk James 1795 - 1849 James K. Polk signs military appointment one day after Congress authorizes Mexican War



Thick cream waxed paper certificate measuring 14.625" x 17" signed by 11th U.S. President James K. Polk and Secretary of War William L. Marcy. The President's signature "James K. Polk" is complete with a scribbled flourish leading off from the "k" of "Polk" as well as a decorative underline; the Secretary of War signed the document "W. L. Marcy". The document is handsomely illustrated with two large printed patriotic images. At top, a ferocious eagle brandishing arrows and olive branch bursts through lightning bolts, and at bottom, a military themed vignette of draped flags, cannons, helmets, drums, and other arms is depicted in war torn landscape (engravings credited to J.V.N. and C.H. Troop of Washington, City). At upper left, document is affixed with embossed War Office paper seal. Docketed in red pen extreme upper left and signed by Adjutant General R. Jones. In very fine condition with expected wear including fold marks, and also scattered paper remnants verso indicating document was once affixed to support.

This document dated May 14, 1846 appoints John J. Peck to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Second Regiment of Artillery effective April 16, 1846 in acknowledgement of his "patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities". John James Peck (1821-1878), the recipient of this promotion, had graduated three years prior from the United States Military Academy. Peck ranked among the top 25% of a graduating class that included future 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. Congress had approved a declaration of war against Mexico only one day before this document authorizing Peck's promotion was signed. The first major clash between forces, the Battle of Palo Alto, took place near the southernmost tip of modern day Texas only six days before. This military action, as well as the threat of future military action, no doubt prompted Peck's promotion. Peck went on to serve in the armies of Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott with some distinction. During the Civil War, now Major General Peck successfully commanded troops in the Peninsula Campaign before being invalided out of active service.

James K. Polk (1795-1849), a lawyer, became involved in Tennessee state politics before his election as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1835. His surprise Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1844 preceded an active and successful one-term presidency that advocated for territorial expansion and conservative economic policies. Polk's aggressive attitudes regarding territorial expansion precipitated, among other hit or near-miss foreign policy conflicts, the Mexican War (1846-1848). He took an especial interest in the military as they were his means to achieving territorial expansion. William L. Marcy (1786-1857) served in Polk's cabinet as Secretary of War during his entire presidency.

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June 14, 2017 10:30 AM EDT
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