Partially printed DS as president, signed “G. Washington,” one page, 12.5 x 15, November 28, 1794. Spectacular three-language ship’s papers, printed in French, English and Dutch (as was standard at that time; four-language papers including Spanish were not yet customary). The text reads, in part: “Be it known, that leave and permission, are hereby given to Martin Benson, master and commander of the ship called Charlotte of the burthen of one hundred & Forty-seven tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of Providence bound for Africa and laden with Rum, Geneva Tobacco, Beef, Pork, Oysters, Four, Crackers, Butter, Sugar, Coffee, Chocolate, Tea, Wine, Raisins, Candles, Soap, Ribbons, Shoes, Bricks, and Board to depart and proceed with his said ship on his said voyage, such ship having been visited and the said Martin Benson having made oath before the proper officer, that the said ship belongs to one or more of the citizens of the United States of America, and to him or them only.” Washington has signed in the middle portion of the document, which has also been countersigned by his Secretary of State, Edwin Randolph, the Port Collector, and Justice Samuel Chase. Research provided by Brown University indicates that in 1794, business partners Nicholas Brown, Jr., George Benson, and Thomas Ives dispatched the ship Charlotte to the newly formed African colony of Freetown, a home for repatriated former slaves, in an attempt to establish legitimate trade with that colony. The ship was commanded by Benson's half brother, slave trader Martin Benson, who was specifically instructed not to take any slaves on board for any reason. However, the trip did not go well, and after much of the cargo was destroyed as the result of a leaky hull, Benson disposed of the remainder and sailed home. The firm of Brown, Benson, and Ives thereafter lost interest in the African trade, but Martin Benson returned to Africa on a “slaving” voyage a year later. In fine condition, with light storage folds, one vertical fold passing inconsequentially through Washington's signature, a few trivial spots of paper loss along folds, and a small area of seal-related toning at lower left from seal. Both paper seals are intact, and Washington's signature rates a 10 out of 10. The combination of outstanding appearance and the significant association with the slave trade and early abolitionist sentiment—Washington himself was a slave owner—make for a document of exceptional interest and desirability. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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