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1884 Henry M. Teller Signed Department of the Interior Appointment
Original Department of the Interior personnel document dated November 29, 1884, abbreviated signature of Secretary Henry M. Teller. This doc appoints Joshua B. Callahan of Maryland to a Class Three clerkship in the Office of the Secretary, effective November 1, 1884, by promotion from Class Two. Callahan filled the position vacated when fellow clerk Arthur Martin was promoted.
Fixed departmental heading, appointment language are printed in tinted ink that has faded lightly to a lilac color. Penmanship appointment hand filled by a skilled hand. Teller signed separately in brown ink at the bottom. The folded sheet is made from period watermarked paper with a pronounced laid pattern under backlight. Printed designation 1-271 identifies the departmental form series, while 0759-5,000. at the bottom is likely a printer's job and quantity order.
Approximately 7.75" x 9.75" (197 x 248 mm) folded. Certificate from Todd Mueller Autographs. The COA's abbreviated caption refers to 'Document With Teller' signature and the year (1884) as 1881. (The 4 doesn't close tightly on the doc so it's an oversight.)
Condition
- Original central spine fold and two horizontal letter folds
- Light, relatively uniform age toning with minor handling waves and fold compression
- Small corner bends, very slight localized edge wear, and a few minute scattered marks
- No meaningful foxing, paper loss, or significant fold separation observed
- Printed and manuscript portions remain highly legible, and Teller's signature remains strong
Fulfillment
Ships by USPS Ground Advantage in its archival sleeve, with additional rigid front and rear backers for protection. Typically ships within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from continental US; please message for quote. International shipping available through 's Global Shipping Program.
Historical Notes
Henry M. Teller served as Secretary of the Interior under President Chester A. Arthur from 1882 to 1885. Before joining the Cabinet, Teller represented Colorado in the United States Senate, and he returned to the Senate after leaving the Interior Department. He is also remembered for sponsoring the Teller Amendment of 1898, which declared that the United States would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War, a potentially topical declaration in the current landscape.
