Abraham Lincoln naval appointment signed as President during the Civil War, appointing John Madigan Jr. as Lt. Commander in the Navy, a rare naval appointment as most are to lower positions. Shortly after this appointment was signed, Captain Madigan would burn the Rebel blockade runner ''Hanover'' off the Galveston, TX coast, documented in ''The Naval History of the Civil War''.

With prominent and full ''Abraham Lincoln'' signature at lower right and countersigned by Gideon Welles as Secretary of the Navy, dated 21 February 1863. Vellum document measures 14.5'' x 17.25'' with orange seal at bottom, below vignettes of mythological sea creatures. Folds, overall in near fine condition with exceptionally bright vellum.