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[drawing: Eagle wings outstretched on rocky outcrop, background of sea and 2 sailing ships]
Abraham Lincoln President of the United States of America. TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, Greeting:
Know Ye, that reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity and Abilities of Alfred T Mahan, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him a Lieutenant in the Navy, from the 31st August 1861, in the service of the UNITED STATES. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duties of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereto belonging.
And I do strictly charge and require, all Officers, Seamen and Marines, under his Command to be obedient to his Orders as a Lieutenant. And he is to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from time to time as he shall receive from me: or the future PRESIDENT of the United States of America, or his Superior Officer set over him: according to the Rules and Discipline of THE NAVY.
This COMMISSION to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.
By the President Gideon Welles Secretary of the Navy.
Given under my Hand at Washington. this Nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty two and in the Eighty sixth year of the Independence of the United States.
Abraham Lincoln
[left margin sideways: Registered No. One. The lowest number of same date takes rank Wm. P. Horan.]