Antique Paintings, Maps, Documents, Photos

An HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT document signed by President James Madison on September 11, 1814

The document is signed by President James Madison (1751-1836) who served as our fourth President from 1809-1817. It appoints Stephen Cassin as Master Commandant in the U.S. Navy and is dated September 11, 1814. That date is significant in American history as it was the date of the pivotal naval battle of the War of 1812, the Battle of Lake Champlain. Cassin was promoted on the day of the battle to Master Commandant, commanding the sloop Ticonderoga, 17 guns and the third heaviest ship in the U.S. Navy. His gallant performance in the battle--fighting off many assaults and boarding attempts while exposing himself to heavy fire--was credited by later naval historians with contributing greatly, perhaps decisively, to victory on that day. Shortly after the battle he was granted a Gold Medal for bravery by Congress in October 1814. Cassin (1783-1857) entered the navy as a midshipman in 1800. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1807. He won further renown in 1822 while on pirate patrol in the West Indies aboard the sloop Peacock when he captured five pirate crafts and destroyed several more. He was promoted again in 1825 to Captain and finally in 1830 to Commodore. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The document is framed and has smaller 19th century engravings of both President Madison and Stephen Cassin. This truly an important piece of U.S. Naval history.