Partly engraved officer's commission signed by Andrew Johnson as President of the United States, and Edwin Stanton as Secretary of War. Washington, D.C., 20 August 1866. 1 page, on vellum, with original blue wafer seal. 

A fine officer's commission signed by President Andrew Johnson, appointing James R. Kelly as Major by brevet to date from 13 December 1862. The document recognizes that the promotion was "for gallant and meritorious services at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia."

James Rigney Kelly (1832-1884), originally born in Ireland, held an impressive service record, rising up through the ranks of Federal service. Originally enlisting in Company A of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1854, Kelly served as a private, corporal, and sergeant.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Kelly was promoted to the position of captain, mustering into the 3rd U.S. Artillery on 29 November 1861. He was brevetted captain for gallant and meritorious service in the battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia in June 1862. Following the Battle of Fredericksburg, he was brevetted major general as commemorated by this document. James R. Kelly would be buried at Jackson Barracks in 1884, where it is noted his remains were later moved to Chalmette National Cemetery.

A fine commission signed by President Andrew Johnson. 

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