This is a slip of paper that meas. approx. 5.50 inches long x 8.50 inches wide that was obviously pulled from a book. The inscription on the paper reads “JAMES A EKIN, BVT. BRIG. GEN., Q.M.G. O., MILITARY COMMISSION 13 JUNE 1865.” The period ink inscription is strong and very readable with flowing linear decorations.

James Adams Ekin was born August 31, 1819 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During the Civil War Ekin first enlisted as a 1^st Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the 12th Pennsylvania Infantry on April 25, 1861. This was a three month enlistment. During this time the regiment did guard duty in the Baltimore area. Ekin was mustered out with the regiment on August 5, 1861 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Ekin was commissioned a Captain and Assistant Quartermaster in the Quartermaster General’s Department on August 7, 1861. He was eventually promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on February 15, 1864 and then to Colonel on August 2, 1864. He was brevetted in the Regular Army as Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier General on March 13, 1865. In addition to his Volunteer ranks Ekin was also made a Captain in the Regular Army on March 13, 1863, Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Quartermaster General on July 29, 1865.

Despite his excellent service in the Army Quartermaster Department Ekin is remembered largely for his participation as a member of the military tribunal that tried the conspirators in the assassination of President Lincoln.

He remained in the Army following the Civil War and retired on August 31, 1883. Ekin died March 27, 1891 in Louisville, Kentucky and was buried there in Cave Hill National Cemetery.

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