Sept 17th
(Signed) John Rodgers Navy Department.
1 July 1870
Sir:

The President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, having appointed you a Captain in the Navy, on the Active List from the Tenth of June, 1870, I have the pleasure to inclose herewith your commission, dated the 17th June 1870, the receipt of which you will acknowledge to the Department.
I am, respectfully.
Your obedient servant.
Geo. M. Robeson,
Secretary of the Navy.

Captain
Somerville Nicholson
U.S. Navy
Commanding U. S. Steamer Benicia
Asiatic Fleet.