Archives International Auctions - Auction 110 January 20, 2026

Archives International Auctions - Sale 110 55 January 20, 2026 Archives International Auctions www.archivesinternational.com Ephemera - Autographs - Civil War - Military Washington November 16, 1863. A rare and Historic Civil War officer appointment for the U.S. Colored Troops, signed by Edwin M. Stanton, reflecting the Union’s evolving military policy and the federal government’s role in organizing African American regiments during the war’s pivotal middle years. 273 273 Washington, November 16, 1863. U.S. Colored Troops – Civil War Officer Appointment Signed by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Washington, November 16, 1863. U.S. Colored Troops Civil War Officer Appointment, Official War Department printed and manuscript-completed appointment issued during the critical early months of the Union Army’s expansion of African American regiments, signed by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. This historic War Department printed and manuscript-completed appointment commissions a Captain in the 7th Regiment, U.S. Colored Troops, to rank from November 14, 1863, with orders to report for duty in Frederick, Maryland under the authority of the Middle Department, the Union military district overseeing Maryland and surrounding areas. Created during the rapid mobilization of African American regiments following the Emancipation Proclamation, early U.S.C.T. commissions such as this are among the most significant administrative acts of the Civil War. The document bears the bold signature of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, whose rigorous administration, organizational reforms, and uncompromising enforcement of wartime policy reshaped the Union war effort and enabled the swift formation of U.S.C.T. units. The identity of the officer remains unknown due to a clerical error in which a War Department clerk inserted the word “Captain” in the space reserved for the recipient’s name—an unusual but documented mistake on early U.S.C.T. appointments. Additional manuscript notations reference Capt. William Royal of the 7th U.S.C.T. and senior Middle Department officers. Light toning and minor wear consistent with age. A powerful and compelling document directly connected to the creation and administration of one of the Union Army’s African American regiments. VF to XF condition. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Est. $2000-4000