3544

PRESIDENT JAMES K. POLK SIGNED COMMISSION /

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
PRESIDENT JAMES K. POLK SIGNED COMMISSION /

APPOINTMENT FOR WILLIAM EUSTIS OF THE 1ST DRAGOONS. This scarce presidential signed commission measures 13 3/4" x 16 3/4" & is signed by James K. Polk. The commission appoints William Eustis to the rank of Captain of the 1st Regiment of Dragoons. The commission is dated February 13, 1846. William Eustis attended the Military Academy at West Point from 1826-1830. He initially served on the Red River from 1830-31, Ft. Townsend 1831-1833 & Ft. Gibson 1834-1835. He was on recruiting duty from 1835-1836 & in Europe from 1836 to early 1837 when he returned for service at Ft. Des Moines. He was then posted to Ft. Leavenworth from 1837-1838 & then again in 1839 after a short post at Ft. Snelling. He then traveled to Europe w/ Philip Kearny & Henry Turner attending the Cavalry School at Saumur, France & translating French cavalry tactics books. From 1841 through 1846 he served at various forts around the Kansas frontier. He went to Mexico w/ the 1st Dragoons from 1846 to 1847. After the war, he served at the Jefferson barracks & on recruiting service. Eustis then became a farmer in Natchez, Mississippi where he was a Civil engineer & surveyor until 1875. He was also a distinguished member of the Society of Cincinnati. CONDITION: document is in fine condition & is filled out w/ a good legible hand. Signature is bold & sharp. (02-15779/BF). $2,000-3,000.