Partly-printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as Secretary of State, one page, 20 x 16.5, July 16, 1804. A four language ship’s paper issued to “Silas Briggs, master or commander of the Brig called the Factor of the burthen of 163.40/95 tons, or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New York bound for Lisbon & a market and laden with Flour & Staves to depart and proceed with his said Brig on his said voyage, such Brig having been visited, and the said Silas Briggs, having made oath before the proper officer, that the said Brig belongs to one or more of the citizens of the United States of America, and to him or them only.” In good condition, with professional repairs to a few partial separations and its complete central vertical fold, previous storage folds, with two folds lightly affecting Jefferson’s signature, and one affecting Madison’s, moderate uniform toning, with a few heavier areas, and several creases. The white wafer seal is stained but present, while another red seal in lower left is mostly missing.
Ships’ identification papers had to be signed by the President and Secretary of State before a voyage. They were then forwarded to port, where the date of departure was filled in by an official. This document was signed in Washington prior to its actual July 16, 1804 departure from New York City.
In the days preceding transatlantic communication, vessels such as the Factor carried news as well as people and goods back and forth across the ocean; many newspaper articles of this period cite the Factor and other ships as their source. This fascinating document provides a wealth of colorful seafaring content, as well as especially large, dark signatures. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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