CROMWELL, Oliver (1599-1658), Protector of the English Commonwealth. Manuscript document signed ("O Cromwell"), n.p., 15 October 1653. 1 page, oblong 4to, ON VELLUM, soiled, creasing and minor holes at folds. A MILITARY APPOINTMENT. A document, signed in the year that Cromwell became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, appointing Edward Salmon as "Colonell of that Regiment of Foote ... raised under my command for the service of the Commonwealth." Salmon is informed that it is his duty to follow "directions as you shall from time to time receive from myself and ... officials of the Army according to the discipline of war." Oliver Cromwell commanded Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War and played a crucial role in the defeat of royal forces and in the prosecution and execution of Charles I, after which he was declared Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. He rarely signed with his full name, choosing instead to sign as "O.P." or "Oliver P[rotector]."