- Title: Theodore Roosevelt Signed Miltary Commission
- Author: Theodore Roosevelt & Elihu Root
- Date: December 26, 1901
- Condition: Excellent - Some age-related staining throughout, all else fine. One page on vellum.
- Inches: 15 3/4 x 20 [Paper]
- Centimeters: 40.00 x 50.80 [Paper]
- Product ID: 308746
This is an official United States military commission document appointing Frank K. Fergusson as a Captain in the Artillery Corps. It is issued in Washington, D.C., and dated 26 December 1901, with his rank to take effect from 1 August 1901. The text follows the standard legal formula used for Regular Army commissions at the turn of the twentieth century, emphasizing “patriotism, fidelity and abilities” and the President’s pleasure as the condition for the commission’s continuance.
The document is executed under the authority of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose large brown-ink signature appears prominently on the line “By the President.” The counter-signature in brown ink at the right is that of Elihu Root, who served as Secretary of War in Roosevelt’s administration, adding further confirmation of the commission’s authenticity and placing it firmly in the early Progressive Era. The blue embossed War Department seal at the lower left, combined with the printed patriotic vignettes—an eagle above and a trophy of flags, cannon, sword, and drum below—underscore its official and ceremonial character.
Visually, the commission exemplifies late 19th–early 20th century federal engraving style, with elaborate scrollwork, shaded lettering, and a large spread eagle rendered in fine line engraving above the main text. The lower vignette, showing draped American flags, stacked cannonballs, and martial accoutrements, reinforces the military nature of the appointment and would appeal to collectors of both presidential autographs and military ephemera.
From a historical standpoint, an Artillery Corps captain commissioned in 1901 would have been part of the United States Army during a period of expansion following the Spanish–American War and the organization of new overseas responsibilities. The commission’s dual date—the August 1901 rank date and the December 1901 signing—reflects common practice in which an officer’s rank is backdated to when it was earned or authorized, while the physical parchment is executed once the paperwork is complete.
Translation
Top heading:
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
To all who shall see these presents greeting: Know Ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, fidelity and abilities of Frank K. Fergusson, I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate appoint him Captain in the Artillery Corps in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the First day of August nineteen hundred and one. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging; And I do strictly charge and require all Officers and soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Captain. And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from me or the future President of the United States, and the General or other Superior Officers set over him, according to the rules and discipline of War.
This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being. Given under my hand at the City of Washington, the twenty-sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and one, and in the one hundred and twenty-sixth year of the Independence of the United States.
By the President:
(signature across the line — Theodore Roosevelt)
(to the right, in brown ink — the Secretary of War’s signature, Elihu Root)
(Embossed blue seal of the War Department at lower left.)
Roosevelt’s Presidency
Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909 after assuming office at age 42 upon the assassination of William McKinley, making him the youngest president in U.S. history. His domestic program, the Square Deal, focused on regulating big business, protecting consumers, and conserving natural resources, helping to define the Progressive Era. In foreign affairs, he expanded U.S. power abroad, most notably by securing and beginning construction of the Panama Canal, which transformed global trade and American naval strategy. Roosevelt’s energetic, media-savvy leadership greatly strengthened the presidency and helped establish the model of the “modern” activist president.