Matched pair of original State of Maine militia commissions documenting the advancement of Eliphalet Adams of Gilead, Oxford County, from ensign to lieutenant in the 1st Regiment, 2nd Brigade and 6th Division of the Maine Militia.
Together, the two documents preserve an unusual and complete record of one early Maine officer’s promotion:
1828 Ensign Commission
Issued August 16, 1828, under Governor Enoch Lincoln, appointing Adams an ensign with rank effective June 21, 1828. The commission bears Lincoln’s autograph signature beneath a large embossed paper Seal of the State of Maine and is countersigned by the secretary of state. The reverse records Adams’s appearance on September 22, 1828, before Justice James Burbank to subscribe the constitutional oath required of a commissioned officer.
1830 Lieutenant Commission
Issued July 22, 1830, under Governor Jonathan G. Hunton, promoting Adams to lieutenant with rank effective June 19, 1830. Signed by Governor Hunton and countersigned by Maine Secretary of State Edward Russell. The reverse contains Adams’s qualification certificate dated September 25, 1830, before Colonel James Burbank of the 6th Regiment, together with official registration and adjutant-general’s office endorsements.
Historical significance
Enoch Lincoln served as a United States congressman before becoming Maine’s sixth governor. He died in office in October 1829, limiting the number of commissions issued during his administration.
Jonathan G. Hunton served as Maine’s ninth governor for less than one year, from February 1830 until January 1831. His brief administration advocated the establishment of Maine’s first state mental hospital.
The archive is particularly desirable because it documents Adams’s advancement within the same militia organization over a two-year period. Such surviving pairs are considerably less common than isolated militia appointments.
Condition
The 1828 commission is in very good condition, with a bold Lincoln signature, sharply impressed state seal, original folds, moderate toning and scattered foxing.
The 1830 commission displays heavier use, including water staining, fold wear, old tape or paper reinforcement, scattered ink stains, minor edge losses and weakness at several folds. Governor Hunton’s signature, the large embossed state seal and the reverse qualification certificate remain intact and legible.
Both documents are original, officially completed and retain their period endorsements.
