Abraham Lincoln, 16 May 1863

LINCOLN, Abraham (1861-1865). Partly-printed document signed ("Abraham Lincoln") as President, Washington, 16 May 1863.

One page, 375 x 500mm, countersigned by Edwin M. STANTON (1814-1869) as Secretary of War (small marginal chips, slight separation at centerfold).

Lincoln commissions an infantry officer to the 13th Infantry Regiment, namely Benjamin H. Geary as Second Lieutenant from the date of 13 August 1862 onwards. Pennsylvania-born Geary first mustered into the 13th Infantry Regiment in August 1861, and was dismissed in July 1863 as a First Lieutenant (Heitman; civilwardata.com).

The 13th Infantry Regiment served in the battles of Hayes Bluffs, Champion Hill, and Black River, later gaining the moniker "First at Vicksburg" for its assault on the city in May 1863. Geary would receive his final military promotion to First Lieutenant just one month before the seige.