War Office Promotion of William B. Hughes...Signed by President Franklin Pierce & Secretary of War Jefferson Davis.
Engraving with manuscript annotations.
1856.
18" x 15 3/4" sheet.

The President of the United States of America / E. Pluribus Unum.

To all who shall see these presents greeting: / Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of "William B. Hughes" I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him "Brevet Second Lieutenant of Infantry" in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the "first" day of "July" eighteen hundred and "fifty six". He is therefore carefully and ... to discharge the duty of "Brevet Second Lieutenant" by doing and performing all manner of things therein into ... And I do strictly charge, and require all Officers and Soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as "Brevet Second Lieutenant" And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States of America, or the General, or other superior Officers set over him, according to the rules and discipline of War. This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States, for the time being.Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, this "first: day of "August" in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and "fifty six" and in the "Eighty first" year of the Independence of the United States.