Document Spotlight-Major General’s Commission

It has been a few weeks since we had a document spotlight. This week we feature a very basic document detailing an important executive function.
The letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox contains a commission from President George Washington appointing Anthony Wayne to the rank of Major General. Written in 1792, the letter announces the appointment and asks that Wayne respond as soon as possible with his acceptance and an oath of office.

The letter itself gives few other details, but instead refers to an enclosed act of Congress; the details concerning a Major General’s pay and benefits are included in that act. It is worth noting, too, that Washington’s appointment required the approval of the Senate.

Read the original document here.

Check back next week for another installment in our transcriber spotlight series.

It is not too late–there are many more documents awaiting transcription. Take a moment to register (http://wardepartmentpapers.org/scripto/register.php) and choose a document to begin your adventure. You will be doing important work by adding to the historical record, and you never know what you will read!