Brevet Commission

Copy of the original commission issued by Wisconsin Governor Lucius Fairchild to James Overson on August 20, 1867.  It reads in part as follows.

"To All to Whom these Presents shall Come, Greeting: Know Ye, That I do hereby confer on James Overson late a Corporal in Company C Fifteenth Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry Volunteer the rank of Captain BY BREVET, to rank as such from September 20th 1863 in recognition of distinguished gallantry displayed by him at the battle of Chickamauga Ga. where, his company being hard pressed and his Captain having fallen, he took position in front and encouraged his comrades to maintain their position in the fight. In this engagement Overson was severely wounded."

At the time of the American Civil War, brevet ranks were awarded for special bravery in battle, much as medals are now.  

Certificate image courtesy of James Overson's Great Granddaughter Sue Graber
Picture shown above has been electronically enhanced by Deep Vee Productions

This page Copyright by Scott Cantwell Meeker of Deep Vee Productions.
All Rights Reserved. Created December 25, 2001. Last updated December 26, 2001.

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