In April 1861, Abraham Lincoln Appoints a Hero of the Mexican War to Infantry Captain
This was a combat position, and the appointee would lead his troops at Second Bull Run, Anteitam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.
West Pointer John Darragh Wilkins was a career army officer with fifteen years of service behind him when the Civil War broke out. Having already received a commendation for gallant and meritorious conduct at the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco during the Mexican War, he received a promotion from Adjutant to Captain...
West Pointer John Darragh Wilkins was a career army officer with fifteen years of service behind him when the Civil War broke out. Having already received a commendation for gallant and meritorious conduct at the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco during the Mexican War, he received a promotion from Adjutant to Captain of the 3rd U.S. Infantry in April 1861.
The 3rd Infantry participated in the Peninsular Campaign during the summer of 1862, standing before Yorktown during the siege. Wilkins led his men at Malvern Hill, and fought in the battles of Second Bull Run and Antietam. In the Fredericksburg Campaign, the 3rd Infantry crossed into the city on December 13th, and assumed positions in the field at dusk. In the morning, they discovered that they were very near Confederate lines, and were forced by a withering fire from Confederate sharpshooters to fall back into a safer position in the city tannery, holding their position until replacements arrived. On the 14th, Wilkins' regiment was posted in the streets of the city, and the following day he was preparing to fight his way out of the city when the order came to fall back.
The 3rd were drawn into the Battle of Chancellorsville, and in July, Wilkins received further recognition for his efforts in the form of a brevet appointment as Lieutenant Colonel for gallant and meritorious service at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
After receiving a major's commission, Wilkins was transferred to the 15th U.S. Infantry, and stationed near Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. After the war, he remained in the regular army, transferring to the 33rd Infantry on September 21, 1866, and to the 8th Infantry on March 15, 1869. He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 8th Infantry in 1873 and Colonel of the 5th Infantry in 1882, holding that position until his retirement in 1886.
This is Wilkins’ first appointment as captain, at the start of the Civil War. Document signed as President, with military motif, September 17, 1861, bearing an effective date of April 17, promoting Wilkins to “Captain in the Third Regiment of Infantry.” The document is countersigned by Secretary of War Simon Cameron. A fine document, and perfect for display.
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