Commission appointing Sylvanus Backus as a Lieutenant in the Navy

Transcript: "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 Sylvanus Backus I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him Lieutenant in the Navy on the Active List from the 16th July 1862 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 and 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. Given under my Hand at Washington this twenty first day of February in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Three and in the Eighty seventh year of the Independence of the United States. By the President, Abraham Lincoln. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. Registered No. Thirty six, The lowest number of same date takes rank. Wm. P. Moran."