Andrew Johnson

Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15.25 x 19.25, June 5, 1866. President Johnson appoints Yates Stirling as "a Master in the Navy." Boldly signed at the conclusion in ink by President Andrew Johnson and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. The orange seal affixed at the bottom remains fully intact. In fine condition.

Yates Stirling (1843–1929) was a distinguished United States Navy officer whose 42-year career began in the Civil War and saw him rise through sea and shore commands to lead the United States Asiatic Fleet as rear admiral before retiring in 1905. A Baltimore native and Annapolis graduate, he served with distinction in Civil War blockading operations and later commanded major squadrons and naval stations, embodying the evolution of the U.S. Navy in the late 19th century.