The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

Washington, D.C. July 16, 1850. Vellum sheet, 8 x 11 in. (203 x 280 mm). Naval commission signed by President Millard Fillmore, appointing Lewis Rogers a sailmaker in the United States Navy. Counter signed by Secretary of the Navy William Ballard Preston. Creasing from old folds, scattered foxing.

President Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) assumed the office one week prior to this date of this commission, upon Zachary Taylor's death on July 9, 1850, from an ailment believe to have resembled gastroenteritis. Fillmore was immediately enthralled in settling many issues the Taylor administrative faced, including signing infamous legislation such as the Compromise of 1850, and the Fugitive Slave Act.