Partly printed Document Signed, "James A. Garfield," as President, 1 page, 16.75" x 13", Washington, April 29, 1881, an appointment of Francis W. Seeley as Postmaster for Lake City, Minnesota. Countersigned by Thomas L. James as Postmaster General and bearing an Intact foil seal of the Post Office Department over a red ribbon. Expected folds with minor pinholes and some very marginal wear, light toning along center vertical fold does not detract from the overall presentation, else very good to fine condition. 

Prior to his appointment as postmaster, Francis W. Seeley (1837-1910) was an artillerist in the U.S. Army, enlisting in 1855 as part of Sherman's battery at Fort Snelling. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Seeley had risen to the officer corps as a second lieutenant in the 4th Artillery. Seeley distinguished himself at Chancellorsville (his battery fired the first shot of the battle), and later the same year at Gettysburg, where he was wounded twice. His wounds were severe enough to compel him to resign his commission. Upon leaving the army, he attempted farming for several years, but his physical disabilities made it impossible for him, and in 1873, Ulysses S. Grant appointed Seeley Postmaster for Lake City, Minnesota, a position in which he continued through several administrations.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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