Guns International #: 102369304
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Guns International #: 102369304
Category - Collectibles - Civil War
- Military Collectible US
1825 Massachusetts Militia Commission for a Brigadier General, Signed by Acting and Future Governor
Description: 1825 Massachusetts Militia Officer’s Commission for Brigadier General Ephraim Ward, signed by Acting Governor Marcus Morton. The commission measures about 16 inches by 10 inches, and despite having some light stains and fold separations that have been repaired with archival document tape, it displays very well for being almost 200 years old and is suitable for framing. Marcus Morton (1784-1864) was an American lawyer, jurist, and politician from Taunton, Massachusetts. Morton was a schoolmate and friend of John C. Calhoun. Morton served as a Massachusetts member of the U.S. Congress from 1816 to 1820, where he supported Andrew Jackson. In 1824, Morton was elected Lieutenant Governor, serving under Governor William Eustis. When Eustis died in office in February 1825, Morton served as acting governor until the election a few months later. This officer’s commission was signed during that period of time. Morton refused to run for governor in 1825, but again ran for and won lieutenant governor. Unhappy with what he termed Whig elitism, he resigned, and became an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, serving until 1840. In the meantime, Morton was a perennial gubernatorial candidate, running and losing each year from 1828 to 1838. In the early years he was supported by his friend John Calhoun, who had served as vice president under Adams and Jackson. Morton himself did no overt campaigning, sensitive to maintaining the appearance of neutrality as a judge. An opponent of the extension of slavery, he split with his longtime friend John Calhoun over that issue. Finally in 1839, Morton won the governor’s office by one vote. He lost in 1840 and 1841, but regained the office for one year in 1842, only to lose it again in 1843. In 1844 he decided to stop running for governor, though he continued in public service for many years. Morton died at his home in Taunton in 1864 and is buried in its Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Please take a look at all the photos as they provide the best description of condition. Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping charge $10 towards cost of Priority Mail with full insurance. I am listing other early Massachusetts Militia documents, if you buy additional items, I will combine into one package to save you on shipping charges. Three day return privilege, buyer pays return shipping. Price: $50.00 Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102369304
Guns International #: 102369304