Partly-printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 13 x 15, August 13, 1803. A grant for a 1500-acre parcel of land, issued to Smith Snead, “a Major for seven years to the United States, in the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment” under the provisions of “An Act to enable the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment to obtain titles to certain lands.” Archivally matted and handsomely framed with a portrait of Jefferson and a small name plaque to an overall size of 30.25 x 25. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting storage folds, some scattered light soiling and wrinkling, handwritten portions of document a shade or two light, but still legible, and some light show-through from docketing on reverse. Both signatures are clear and legible. The white paper seal is lightly toned and worn, but intact.
Snead had served as an officer in the 2nd Virginia Regiment, seeing combat in South Carolina in 1781, and eventually taking charge of the unit when his commanding officer became ill. This document reflects the common practice of the era that repaid its Revolutionary War veterans for their service with free land—once the British had been defeated. In honoring their the debt to men like Major Snead, Madison and Jefferson were also able to rely upon a trained military forces as they headed out into the untamed wilderness of the young America—a mutually beneficial policy to all parties. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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