Ulysses S. Grant naval appointment signed as President, appointing William S. Bridgman as Commander in the Navy, a rare naval appointment as most are to lower positions. Captain Bridgman would go on to command the cruiser Baltimore and also serve as District Inspector. Signed ''U. S. Grant'' at lower right and countersigned by George M. Robeson as Secretary of the Navy, dated 9 January 1877 shortly before Grant left office. Vellum document measures 15.625'' x 19.75'' with bright blue seal at bottom, below vignettes of mythological sea creatures. Folds and minor creasing, overall near fine.