Description:

William McKinley
Washington, D.C., April 6, 1898
William McKinley Boldly Signed Military Commission for Captain in Spanish-American War
Partially printed DS

A partially printed military appointment signed in full as "William McKinley" and countersigned by Russell A. Alger as Secretary of War. 1p, measuring 15.5" x 19.25", Washington, D.C., April 6, 1898. The document nominates "Charles Dyer Parkhurst… Captain of Artillery in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the eighth day of March eighteen hundred and ninety eight." Docketed in the upper left by the Adjutant General's office, and features a near-intact seal in the lower left margin. Exhibits three-hole punching along left side edge, with isolated vertical crease near the same. Expected age toning and wrinkling throughout. Overall, a good example with boldly contrasted signature!

Charles D. Parkhurst (1849-1931) was a distinguished military officer of the U.S. Artillery who was active during the American Indian Wars of the 1870s and 80s, in addition to the Spanish-American War of 1898. After graduating from West Point in 1872, he was first commissioned in the Fifth Cavalry Regiment as part of a frontier campaign, but was later transferred as a captain of the field artillery in 1886, serving in this capacity throughout the Spanish-American War. Shortly after the conflict, Parkhurst was again moved to the coast artillery, where he would be commissioned a Colonel in 1906.

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"
  • Medium: Partially printed DS

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October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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