William H. Taft Signed Naval Appointment for Rear Admiral

A naval appointment signed by 27th U.S. President William H. Taft (1857-1930) as "Wm H Taft" at center right. Issued from Washington, D.C. on December 16, 1909. Partly handwritten and partly printed on a large sheet of parchment. Also co-signed by U.S. Secretary of the Navy George von Lengerke Meyer (1858-1918) as "G v L Meyer" at center left. (The middle portion of the "G" of "George" is interrupted, but present.) Docketed along the left edge, and bearing an embossed blue "Department of the Navy" seal at center bottom, with a few minor breaks in the sawtooth edging. Expected gentle folds and a few wrinkles. Scattered foxing along the top edge, else near fine.15.625" x 19.25." Property of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Sold to Benefit Museum Acquisitions. Formerly a Gift of Mrs. Albert C. Dillingham (née Grace G. Gilmore.)

President William H. Taft conferred the rank of "Rear-Admiral in the Navy" upon Arthur Caldwell Dillingham (1848-1925), a career naval officer. The promotion became effective after December 4, 1909.

Albert Caldwell Dillingham had graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1870; he would retire from the service in 1910 with the rank here appointed him by Taft. A Spanish-American War veteran, in 1904-1905, Dillingham famously protected the Dominican Republic against hostile creditors by erecting a defensive barricade around the city of Puerto Plata. The impetus behind Dillingham's actions would be articulated by President Teddy Roosevelt in the Roosevelt Corollary of the Monroe Doctrine. Dillingham was recalled from retirement and pressed into active duty during World War I. He was awarded the Navy Cross in recognition for his expert reorganization of a new Naval Operating Base at Hampton Roads, Virginia.

William H. Taft served as president between 1909 and 1913. Von Lengerke Meyer served as Secretary of the Navy during the entire Taft administration.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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