1871 Discharge Document Signed by Two Civil War Generals

  

Rare Civil War Discharge Document - Signed by Generals Irvin McDowell & Chauncey McKeever. This remarkable piece of Civil War history is a soldier's discharge document, dated April 10, 1871, and issued from the 2nd Department of the East.

The document is personally signed by two prominent Union Army figures, Brigadier General Irvin McDowell and Assistant Adjutant General Chauncey McKeever, making it an extraordinary collector's item for Civil War and military history enthusiasts. To all whom it may concern. Know ye, That Frances M.

Ricker, a Private of Captain [name unreadable] Company, [Regiment] of Salem Cadets, 2nd Division Mass Militia Volunteers who was enrolled on the 26th day of May, 1862, to serve during the war, is hereby Discharged from the service of the United States this 11th day of October, 1862, by reason of instructions of Army Physician (confirmed January 28, 1871). No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist. Ricker was born in [location unreadable], is [years of age unreadable], and by occupation, when enrolled, a [occupation unreadable]. Given at the 2nd Department of the East, this 10th day of April, 1871.

McDowell, Chauncey McKeever, Assistant Adjutant General. This discharge document was issued to Private Frances M. Ricker for service in the 2nd Division of Eastern Cadets. Originally discharged in 1863 due to instructions of Army Physician, a follow-up confirmation of his medical condition was made in 1871. It was signed under the authority of Brigadier General Irvin McDowell, a central figure in early Union Army campaigns, and Chauncey McKeever, who served as Assistant Adjutant General.

This document represents a unique intersection of military service, medical history, and administrative decision-making during and after the Civil War. McDowell was a graduate of West Point (1838) and served in the Mexican-American War.

During the Civil War, he was promoted to brigadier general and given command of the Army of Northeastern Virginia. He is most famously associated with leading Union forces at the First Battle of Bull Run (1861), the first major conflict of the Civil War. Although a Confederate victory, it underscored the need for a more disciplined Union Army. Later, McDowell commanded various units in the Army of the Potomac and the Department of the Pacific. After the war, he served as a park commissioner in San Francisco, contributing to the city's development.

He died in 1885, leaving a legacy as a determined, though sometimes controversial, military leader. McKeever graduated from West Point in 1849 and served in administrative roles throughout his military career. He held the rank of Brevet Brigadier General and was known for his exceptional organizational skills.

During the Civil War, he played a key role in coordinating troop movements and processing military discharges. After the war, McKeever continued his service in the Department of the East until his retirement in 1893. He passed away in Bavaria, Germany, in 1901. A private in the 2nd Division of Salem Cadets, Mass Volunteers, Ricker enlisted in 1862 and served during the Civil War. Discharged due to Information of Army Phyicisian, his service represents the sacrifice and challenges faced by soldiers during and after the conflict.

Why This Document is Unique. Two Civil War General Signatures : Rarely do documents feature both Irvin McDowell and Chauncey McKeever, making this an exceptional piece for collectors. Historic Medical Discharge : Reflects the challenges of wartime medical care and post-war disability recognition.

Impeccable Provenance : An authentic document from the 2nd Department of the East, dated 1871. This document is a must-have for Civil War enthusiasts, historians, and autograph collectors. The signatures alone provide immense value, coupled with its rich historical narrative.

Don't miss the opportunity to own a tangible piece of American history! Condition : Original document, some wear consistent with age. Act fast to add this rare Civil War-era discharge to your collection!