Rare Lincoln and Wells Signed U. S. Marine Corps Commission . Partially printed vellum Document Signed, "Abraham Lincoln...

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Rare Lincoln and Wells Signed U. S. Marine Corps Commission . Partially printed vellum Document Signed, "Abraham Lincoln" as President and "Gideon Wells' as Secretary of the Navy, one page, 15.5" x 19.25", Washington, D.C., April 1, 1862. Robert O'Neill Ford is here appointed a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Vignettes showing an American eagle, martial arms, flags,and a maritime tableaux frame the text of this highly desirable officer's commission. An embossed paper Navy Department seal is affixed to the document's lower portion. Overall toning with some soiling on folds and margins. The signatures are somewhat faded; however, they remain perfectly legible. Overall very good condition. The U.S. Marine Corps played a surprisingly small role in the Civil War considering the numerous amphibious assaults undertaken by Union forces. Whereas millions of men took up arms for the Federal government, less than 4,000 Marines were authorized by President Lincoln in 1861. Consequently, only 148 Marines were killed in action during a war that otherwise consumed hundreds of thousands of American lives.