Lewis Cass, Governor In and Over the Territory of Michigan

To all to whom these presents may come, Greeting:

KNOW YE, That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and valor of Morris Jenks I DO HEREBY APPOINT him Captain in the Militia of the said Territory. He is therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereto belonging. And I do strictly change and require all Officers and Soldiers under his command to be obedient to his orders as Captain. And he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as he shall receive from the President of the United States of America, the Governor of the Territory, or his superior officer set over him according to law. This COMMISSION to continue in force during the pleasure of the Governor of the said Territory for the time being.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the great Seal of the said Territory to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my and at Detroit, this Second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty Nine and of the in Ae penance of the United States of America.

Lewis Cass

The document has been damaged over the years and one of descendants of Morris attempted to preserve it by using Scotch Tape which over the years made the situation worse. I was loaned to document by my mother’s second cousin and made the above copy. The original of the document has been donated to the Southfield Historical Collection at the Southfield Public Library, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan.

The house that Morris Jenks built as photographed in 1905. Morris’ daughter, Esther Jenks Lee is the owner at that time with her husband, Charles Norton Lee. Morris’ grandson, Lewellyn Lee is at the gate.