Calhoun, John C. (John Caldwell), 1782-1850 [Appointment of David Vinton to West Point]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03496 Author/Creator: Calhoun, John C. (John Caldwell), 1782-1850 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Document signed Date: 20 May 1818 Pagination: 1 p. : docket Height: 25 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy
Document signed by Calhoun as Secretary of War in the Monroe Administration. Official document appoints David Hammond Vinton of Providence, Rhode Island, as a cadet at West Point. Asks him to notify the Department of War of his acceptance or non-acceptance. If he accepts he has to report to West Point, New York, in September. Also prints qualifications for admission at the bottom. At the very bottom is a note in pencil that says "Care of Mrs. Mary Vinton." Vinton graduated in 1822 as an artillerist, but transferred to the infantry in 1823 and served most of his career in the quartermaster service. Served during the Mexican War as chief quartermaster for General John Wool. Was captured in Texas at the beginning of Civil War and exchanged after a few months. Became Quartermaster-General of New York 1861-1866 and was brevetted a brigadier general in 1864.
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