The President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these presents greeting: Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of [James Barnes] I have nominated, and by and with the advi

The President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these presents greeting: Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of [James Barnes] I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint him [Brigadier General of Volunteers] in the service of the United States: to rank as such from the [twenty ninth] day of [November] eighteen hundred and [sixty two] ... Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, this [fourth] day of [April] in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and [sixty three] ... By the President. [Abraham Lincoln] ...