This is a nicely framed commission belonging to a Civil War veteran. Joseph C. Lee of Camden, NJ, served in two regiments in the Civil War. He first enlisted in April 1861, signing up in the 4^th New Jersey on 4/25/61 and mustering in as a sergeant in Co. F on 4/27/61. This was a New Jersey militia outfit and he likely had prewar service with it to get a non-commissioned officer’s post. They arrived in Washington, D.C., on 5/5/61. On the night of May 23, the regiment took part in the movement across the Potomac into Alexandria, where Ellsworth was killed the next morning. Thereafter they performed guard duty along the railroad, at Long Bridge, and Alexandria. Lee mustered out with the unit at Trenton on 7/31/61, but re-enlisted just over a week later.

On August 9 he signed up again and his previous service must have made an impression for he was mustered in as first sergeant of Co. I 6^th NJ Infantry on 8/29/61. He was promoted to sergeant-major on 2/26/62 and received a commission as 2^nd Lt. of Co. G on 7/18/62 and as 1^st Lt of Co. G on 6/9/63. He was mustered out on 9/7/64 at Trenton. The regiment saw a lot of action in the Army of the Potomac, losing 3 officers and 124 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded in engagements such as Williamsburg (where they were very hard hit,) Fair Oaks, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Petersburg.

After the war Lee was active in the G.A.R., among other things being post commander of TM.K. Lee, Jr., Post Number 5, and held various civic posts before his death in 1922. He also continued his military service. This is his 1871-dated commission from the Governor of New Jersey as Captain of Company C Sixth Regiment N.J. National Guard. This gives an idea of how such appointments worked. The document acknowledges Lee’s election October 11, 1871, as captain and was signed by the Governor, Adjutant General and Secretary of State on October 24, 1871.

This is  framed in a modern black frame, ready to hang. The document itself measures about 14 by 17 inches and displays well, with good color, legible writing, and an official blue state seal affixed at the lower left.

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