Caleb Strong — War of 1812 Massachusetts Cavalry Commission Signed as Governor, 1813
Original partially printed Massachusetts military commission signed “Caleb Strong” by Governor Caleb Strong, appointing Abner Young as lieutenant of a cavalry company in the Second Brigade, Seventh Division of the Massachusetts Militia.
Young was elected on May 4, 1813, and the commission was formally issued on May 28, 1813. It is countersigned by Alden Bradford, secretary of the Commonwealth and future governor of Massachusetts. The reverse contains a printed and manuscript certificate recording Young’s personal appearance and qualification for office on September 15, 1813.
The commission retains its impressive original embossed Massachusetts state seal, depicting the Commonwealth’s historic Native American figure and arm-and-sword crest.
Caleb Strong was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, United States senator, and long-serving governor of Massachusetts. A leading Federalist opponent of the War of 1812, Strong resisted federal attempts to assume direct command of the Massachusetts militia. Issued during the height of that dispute, this cavalry commission is a tangible artifact of both the war and the struggle between state and federal military authority.
Expected folds with several small holes and separations, irregular edge wear, scattered foxing, staining and toning. Strong’s signature, Bradford’s countersignature, the reverse qualification certificate, and the large embossed seal remain visible.
Original partially printed Massachusetts military commission signed “Caleb Strong” by Governor Caleb Strong, appointing Abner Young as lieutenant of a cavalry company in the Second Brigade, Seventh Division of the Massachusetts Militia.
Young was elected on May 4, 1813, and the commission was formally issued on May 28, 1813. It is countersigned by Alden Bradford, secretary of the Commonwealth and future governor of Massachusetts. The reverse contains a printed and manuscript certificate recording Young’s personal appearance and qualification for office on September 15, 1813.
The commission retains its impressive original embossed Massachusetts state seal, depicting the Commonwealth’s historic Native American figure and arm-and-sword crest.
Caleb Strong was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, United States senator, and long-serving governor of Massachusetts. A leading Federalist opponent of the War of 1812, Strong resisted federal attempts to assume direct command of the Massachusetts militia. Issued during the height of that dispute, this cavalry commission is a tangible artifact of both the war and the struggle between state and federal military authority.
Expected folds with several small holes and separations, irregular edge wear, scattered foxing, staining and toning. Strong’s signature, Bradford’s countersignature, the reverse qualification certificate, and the large embossed seal remain visible.
