The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-03-23
COMMISSION AS SURGEON
 IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
1t Was Granted Great Grandfather of David P
 Johnston by Congress a Century and Quarter Ago--It Is We'll Preserved.

h Circuit Clerk David P. Johnston has lfcome into possession of a commission .K.ranted his great-grandfather, Dr. Lance ot Johnston. by the Congress of the United States as surgeon in the revolu- tlonary war.
 The commission shows the ravages of time in the past 126 years. yet every word upon 1t is easily decipherable. 1t is signed by John Hancock, President of Congress. The signature of Hancock Is bold and striking the same that is 70 familiar upon the Autographed copies of the Declaration of Independence; In that document the bold signature of the Mas sachusetts statesmen is the first thing that attracts the eye.
 The commission of Dr. Lancelot John- ston is written upon a superior grade remarkably well. The wording and the lettering Is in the quaint old style of the eighteenth century. All the "Fs' are like 'S's' and the capitalization Is vide ly different from the rules that obtain In the beginning of the twentieth century.
 This priceless relic has remained in the family ever since Dr. Johnston retired to private life when the Independence of the United States had been won. MT. John- ston occurred it fropa relatives who live at ruskegee. He has had 1t handsomei! framed and many visitors. have called to see the relic of the revolutionary war. The following is literal copy of the
 IN CONGRESS-.
 The DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of New Hampshire Massachu- setts Bay. Rhode Island. Connecticut. the Counties of New Castle. Kent and SufYox. on Delaware Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia to Dr. Lancelot Johnston Greet ing:
 WE reposing Trust and Confidence in your Valour, Patriotism Conduct ant Fidelity. DO by these present Constitute and Appoint you to be Surgeon of the Ninth Battalion.
 In the Army of the United States. raised for the Defence of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion there of. You are therefore, carefully and dil- igently to discharge the Duty of Sur. of things thereunto belonging. And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time you shall receive from this or future Congress of the United States or Committee of Con- gress for that purpose appointed. ar Com mander in Chief for the time being of thu Army of the United States or any other your Superior officer. according to the Rules and Discipline of War. in pursu- ance of the Trust reposed in you.
 This Commission continues in force un- til revoked by this or a future Congress. Dated at Newborn the Tenth of May.
 By Order of the Congress-
 John Hancock.
 Attest; Chas. Harris.
 This commission is further strengthen ed by the commission promoting Dr Johnston to Regmental Surgeon signed by S. A. Proctor. Lieutenant Colonel and Commandant of the Newborn levy of troops raised in Salisbury and Hihsbor- ough Districts of North Carolina. Mir Johnston has the original of this manu- script commission and although 1t ' nearly 125 years old the writing is still iegible The commission A as follows;
 '"rhe bearer Dr. J.ancelot Johnston. is hereby appointed reGimental sur 'n te the newborn levy of Continental roops