Scarce and desirable partly-printed DS, signed as president, “Go: Washington,” and “Th: Jefferson,” as secretary of state, one page, 12.5 x 16, October 8, 1793. Three language ship’s papers issued to “Gabriel Haven, master and commander of the Brigantine called The Betsey of New York…lying at present in the port of New York bound for the West Indies and laden with Onions and Flour.” Boldly signed in the center of the middle panel by Washington and Jefferson, and also countersigned by New York mayor Richard Varick, and Collector of Customs for the Port of New York John Lamb. Simply framed to an overall size of 15.5 x 21.5. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of each signature, a few small holds at fold intersections, several separations along folds, and some scattered light toning and soiling. Two small areas of paper loss at lower corner tips give evidence that the document has also been professionally backed for reinforcement. The two paper seals, one of the United States and one from the Mayoralty of New York, are intact.
After returning from France, Jefferson served as the first secretary of state under George Washington from 1790 to 1793. Near the end of his time in Washington’s cabinet, the year that this document was signed, the arrival of an aggressive new French minister, Edmond-Charles Genet, caused a crisis for Jefferson, as he watched Genet try to violate American neutrality, manipulate public opinion, and go over Washington's head in appealing to the people—plans that Jefferson helped to thwart. At year’s end, Jefferson retired to Monticello. An outstanding document with remarkably prominent signatures of Washington and Jefferson, both desirably, and centrally, situated on the same page. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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