Item No. 4162007

This certificate was issued to Private William H. Benedict of the 26th Ohio Infantry on the date of his discharge on April 30, 1862. It indicates that he had enlisted May 1, 1861. He was 22 years old and was 5 ft. 7 1/2 in. tall with a “ruddy” complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair. The reason for his discharge is listed as “disability.”

The document was signed twice by Colonel John F. Miller of the 29th Indiana—once at the bottom of the front side and again on the reverse. Miller writes, “I make this certificate in accordance with Gen. Order No. 36 (War Dept. 7th Apl. 1862). I have no personal knowledge of the fact certified to, but take them from descriptive lists furnished by the Capt. dated 25th July, 1862.” Miller later commanded a brigade at the Battle of Stone’s River and was wounded in the neck. Returning to the field he was again wounded in March 1863 at the Battle of Liberty Gap, where he lost an eye. He was commissioned brigadier general in January 1864 and brevet major general in March 1865.

The partially printed and partially written document measures about 8” x 10 1/4” and is in excellent condition with light toning. Creased at the original folds.