^Lot 147 George Washington

Ornately partly-printed DS as president, signed “Go: Washington,” one page, 15.75 x 19, March 19, 1793. President Washington appoints Leonard Covington a “Lieutenant of Light Dragoons in the Service of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by Washington and countersigned by Secretary of War Henry Knox. In good condition, with Washington’s signature faded and light, but still mostly legible, heavy storage folds, a couple passing through signature, scattered toning and dampstaining, scattered holes of paper loss, other signatures and handwritten portions also light, but legible, chips to edges, and some light foxing near top. The paper seal is toned and chipped, but mostly intact.

In 1793, Washington had just turned sixty and hoped retire to Mount Vernon to resume his life as a farmer. However, he agreed to a second term as president at the urging of Jefferson, Hamilton, and others. He took the oath of office for his final term as president only days before his appointment of Leonard Wailes Covington (1768-1813), who later became a brigadier general and a member of the United States House of Representatives. Covington served under Anthony Wayne in the Northwest Indian War and in the War of 1812. In November 1813, he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm. A rare document involving a prominent military figure.