Washington, February 21, 1863. 1p. Folio; 17 x 15 inches, 432 x 370mm. Document signed by Lincoln as President of the United States appointing Leonard Paulding Lieutenant Commander in the [U.S.] Navy; countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. Partly printed document with engraved vignettes, filled in with manuscript, and intact paper seal. On vellum. Lincoln's signature strong and clear with light vertical crease through its "m"; lightly creased along old folds, glued to mat but face of document largely clean and unaffected, darkening at margins.