James Monroe Document Signed as President, Appointing... Lot 7

James Monroe Document Signed as President, Appointing "Francis S. Key" as Midshipman Partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 13.25 x 8.25, May 15, 1823. President Monroe appoints "Francis S. Key" as "a Midshipman in the Navy of the United States." Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President James Monroe, and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard. In fine condition. According to the Naval Register, Francis S. Key, a citizen of the District of Columbia, was assigned to the West India squadron in 1825, and served aboard the Sloop Warren in 1827. An interesting document boasting an iconic name—perhaps a relation of Maryland lawyer, author, and poet Francis Scott Key, famed as the author of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'