One-page document appointing E.W. McKinstry Adjutant General of the State of California. Signed by Governor Peter H. Burnett and Secretary of State W. Van Voorhis on Dec. 9, 1850. With impression of the Great Seal of the State of California. On verso is oath of office signed by E.W. McKinstry on Dec. 13, 1850, witnessed and sealed by John H. Gass, Notary Public. The first Adjutant General of the State of California was Theon R. Per Lee who was elected by the legislature on April 11, 1850. He served briefly, resigning in the early fall of that year. Since the legislature was then in adjournment, Gov. Burnett was free to appoint a successor to serve until the next meeting of the legislature. This document announces the appointment of E.W. McKinstry and Burnett reported this appointment to the legislature when it convened in January of 1851. On April 25, the legislature voted to elect McKinstry to the position; he served until 1852 when he resigned after being elected Judge of the 7th Judicial District. This document is referenced in the J.N. Bowman article "The great seal of California" in the 1958 California blue book. Bowman discusses the first press used with the great seal: "This press evidently was not sufficiently powerful to make clear impressions as is evident from the impressions still in existence; or the poor impressions made in 1849 and early 1850 may have been due to the improper manipulation of the press, for by the end of 1850 the impression made on December 9th is very clear on the commission of Brig. General E. W. McKinstry". View image of the State Seal:
