Grand Army of the Republic

Aid-de-Camp Commission issued to Ervin T. Case

Philadelphia, September 1, 1876

Publisher: Corlies, Macy & Co., Stationers, New York

Large folio [16.75 x 13 inches]

1 sheet

[English]

Good

An original Grand Army of the Republic commission appointing Ervin T. Case of Providence, Rhode Island as Aid-de-Camp, a formal officer-level position within the organization. The document is issued under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the GAR and reflects the structure and hierarchy of the Union’s most influential Civil War veterans’ organization. The GAR played a major political and social role in postwar America, and appointments such as this represent official recognition within its national leadership framework.

Signed by Robert B. Beath, Adjutant General, a prominent early leader of the GAR who later served as Commander-in-Chief of the organization, and also signed by the acting Commander-in-Chief at the time of issuance, likely Civil War General and Pennsylvania Governor John F. Hartranft.

Printed on a large-format engraved sheet with an ornate border, elaborate typographic design, and a central patriotic eagle vignette above crossed flags and military motifs. Includes a large embossed gilt seal affixed at lower left.

It is in Good condition, with damp staining throughout the sheet and heavy chipping and loss at the corners and edges. The paper shows areas of toning and wear consistent with age and handling.