1863 dated officer's appointment signed by President Lincoln and the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton. Names Connecticut officer Eleazer H. Ripley captain in the 85th Reserve Corps. (Apparently his name was actually spelled "Eleazur.") Ripley was wounded at Antietam, which required the amputation of his left arm. The Reserve Corps was for disabled soldiers to perform non-combat duties. Document measures about 19" x 15-5/8". Comes with letter of authenticity from James Spence (JSA) -- submitted directly by Blackwell Auctions. Quite a lot of information about Ripley is available online. Copy and paste the following links to read more about him: http://john-banks.blogspot.com/2012/07/ https://www.horsesoldier.com/products/identified-items/edged-weapons/9292 http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery.dll?SoldierHistory?U&118680 This document is one of several dozen important signed pieces in today's sale that were part of a large collection of American historical documents from 1650 through WWII. The estate collection, assembled from about 1920-1960, has never been offered for sale at auction. This item can be shipped in-house. This item must be paid for with a bank check, ACH or wire transfer.

See images. Ink fading (with least effect on Lincoln signature). Toning and foxing, as well as some creases. Center vertical crease goes through Stanton's signature.