Andrew Jackson Naval Appointment

Andrew Jackson signed a naval appointment, dated March 20, 1829, appointing George Adams as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Handsome partly-printed vellum document, measuring 13.75" x 18.75", boldly signed “Andrew Jackson” as President at lower right and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy John Branch at lower left. The engraved design features a striking spread-winged eagle at top and a naval motif of flags, anchors, and cannons surrounding a large embossed paper seal at the bottom center.Issued at Washington during Jackson’s first month in office, the document appoints George Adams “a Lieutenant in the Navy of the United States, to take rank from the 3rd of March, 1829,” directing that he “carefully and diligently discharge the duties of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.” Although the effective date of rank was set as March 3 to preserve Navy seniority lists prepared under the outgoing administration, this commission was formally issued and signed by Jackson on March 20, making it one of the earliest presidential appointments of his new administration.