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 [William H. Philip] I do by these presents appoint him [

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 [William H. Philip] I do by these presents appoint him [Colonel of Infantry in the Fifth Regiment, Third Brigade] of the Militia of the District of Columbia ... Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, this [Sixteenth] day of [April] in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and [sixty one] ... By the President of the United States: [Abraham Lincoln] ...