1804 Ship's Papers Signed by Thomas Jefferson as President & James Madison as Secretary of State

SKU
K31
In stock
$6,995.00

1804 Ship's Papers Signed by Thomas Jefferson as President & James Madison as Secretary of State. It is not often you see the signatures of two Presidents on one document. Partly printed vellum document signed by Thomas Jefferson as President and future President James Madison as Secretary of State. Typical scalloped top ship's paper issued to the "Ship Mississippi of Fredericksburgh, Henry Dawson, master and commander... mounted with no guns, navigated by fourteen men to pass with her Company, Passengers, Goods and Merchandise without any hindrance, seizure or molestation. 

Bold and clear signature of Thomas Jefferson as President along with his Secretary of State James Madison. The document is dated December 14, 1804. An excellent opportunity to aquire an increasingly scarce document signed by the third president of the United States and primary author of the Declaration of Independence and his then Secretary of State and next President James Madison both on the same document. While not in perfect condition it is handsomely and professionally framed with archival quality matting and framing along with period engravings of both Jefferson and Madison, and very attractively priced compared to others that have sold for thousands more.   Comes with a double-sided Certificate of Authenticy signed by William Gray of Gray Collections. 

 From the collection of an avid fifty-year collector on the East Coast who is a descendant of the family of Herbert Hoover.  

 

Historical Notes

In 1804, U.S. ships were required to have ship's papers signed by President Thomas Jefferson primarily as a measure to protect American vessels from harassment by foreign navies, particularly those of Britain and France. These ship's papers served as a form of documentation to prove the nationality of the vessel and its right to engage in commerce under the protection of the United States.

President Jefferson's signature on these ship's papers symbolized the authority of the U.S. government and its commitment to protecting American commerce on the high seas. It was part of a broader effort to assert American sovereignty and defend the nation's interests amid the complex political and military dynamics of the early 19th century.

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Price$6,995.00
Conditionused
Product ConditionBold signature of Jefferson, Madison is light but certainly readable. Document shows wrinkling and toning spots and typical overall wear. Seal removed.
SizeFrame: 19.25" x 31.5". Document: 10.5" x 14" approximately