1p, 8 x 1/4 x 10 3/4 in., on "Confederate States of America, War Department" letterhead, scattered ink marks, approx. 2 in. tear at left bottom edge, creasing at folds. Seddon appoints David W. Anderson (1828-1903) a major in the 44th Virginia Regiment.

[With:] LETCHER, John (1813-1884). Document signed ("John Letcher") as Virginia Governor. [Richmond], 3 May 1861. 1p, 9 5/8 x 7 3/4 in., large ink blots near top center, toning, heavy creasing at folds. Letcher commissions David W. Anderson Captain of Riflemen in the 12th Regiment of the 3rd Brigade and 2nd Division of Virginia Militia.

James Seddon served as the fourth Confederate States Secretary of War from November 1862 through January 1865. John Letcher served as Governor of Virginia from 1860-1864. HDS indicates that David W. Anderson of Scottsville, VA enlisted as a captain on 11 June 1861 and was commissioned into Co. K, VA 44th Infantry. Anderson served the entirety of the war and rose to the rank of major. He commanded his regiment at Antietam, became a POW at Spotsylvania Court House, was wounded for the 2nd time at Cedar Creek, and surrendered at Appomattox Court House.