1863 Warrant signed as Colonel of the 179th Pennsylvania Infantry

(1821-88) Born in Milesburg, Pa., he graduated from Allegheny College and was a lawyer before the war. He began his Civil War career when he enlisted on April 19, 1861, as a 1st lieutenant, and was commissioned into the 4th Pennsylvania Infantry, a 3 months regiment. He was mustered out on July 27, 1861. He re-enlisted on October 17, 1861, and was commissioned 1st lieutenant in the 51st Pennsylvania Infantry. He participated in the Burnside Expedition to Roanoke Island; was promoted to captain on February 12, 1862; fought in the battles of New Berne; Groveton, Va., in the 2nd Bull Run campaign; Chantilly; South Mountain; and Antietam. At the latter battle Blair was cited for gallantry and he would later receive the brevet of brigadier general for storming and taking Antietam Bridge. He was discharged for promotion on December 19, 1862, and was commissioned colonel of the 179th Pennsylvania Infantry. He participated in General Dix's 1863 Peninsular campaign and was mustered out of the service on July 27, 1863. After the war Blair was a newspaper editor.

War Date Commission Signed: 15 x 9 1/2, printed on vellum, and filled out and signed in ink. Vignette of spread winged eagle with American shield, and riband with the motto, E. Pluribus Unum, and stars above. The Commanding Officer Of The 179 Penna. Regiment Of Infantry. To all who shall see these presents, greeting: Know Ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Henry Regenfuse, I do hereby appoint him a Corporal in Company I of the 179th Pa. Regiment of Infantry, in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the 23rd day of Oct., one thousand eight hundred and 62. He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Corporal by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging, And I do strictly charge and require all Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Corporal, And he is to observe and follow such orders and the directions from time to time as he shall receive from me or the future Commanding Officer of the Regiment or other Superior Officers and Non Commissioned Officers set over him, according to the rules and discipline of War. This Warrant to continue in force during the pleasure of the Commanding Officer of the Regiment for the time being.

Given under my hand at the Head Quarters of the Regiment at Yorktown, Va., this First day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 63.

By the Commanding Officer, Wm. H. Blair, Col. Commanding the Regiment.

Chas. L. Buffington, 1st Lt., Adjutant of the Regiment.

Light age toning and wear. Very fine.