Partly-printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as Secretary of State, one page, 11.5 x 18, January 18, 1803. Scalloped-top ship’s pass issued to the “Ship Pyomingo of New York, Paschal Blaggre master or commander…mounted with no guns, navigated with eleven men to pass with her Company Passengers, Goods and Merchandise without any hindrance, seizure or molestation.” Signed at the conclusion by Jefferson and Madison, and countersigned by the Collector of New York. Archivally matted and framed, with color portraits of Jefferson and Madison and copies of large size US currency on which Jefferson and Madison appeared, to an overall size of 35.5 x 21. The “Th:” of Jefferson’s signature is very light, but mostly legible, intersecting folds, two through single letters of Madison’s signature, written portions of document just a shade or two light, and some scattered light toning and wrinkling, otherwise very good condition. Accompanied by a separate framed plaque, 7 x 4, designed to hang below the framed document.
On the same day that Jefferson and Madison authorized this ship’s paper, the president sent a secret message to Congress asking for ‘the appropriation of two thousand five hundred dollars, for the purpose of extending the external commerce of the United States.’ This money was used to fund the Lewis and Clark expedition. Jefferson made the covert request to hide his intentions from his political enemies in the Federalist Party. Such scalloped-top pages, particularly those signed by two presidents, are always desirable with this one even moreso with the historic date connection.
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