American politician (1753–1813) who served as both attorney general and secretary of state in George Washington’s cabinet. Boldly penned ADS, signed “Edmund Randolph, Secretary of State for the United States of America,” one page, 8 x 11.5, November 9, 1794. Diplomatic passport issued to Samuel Bayard. In full: “To all to whom there presents shall come, I do hereby certify, that Samuel Bayard, a citizen of the United States, is now proceeding to London on the business of the United States; and I do hereby request all bodies of Men, and individuals, civil or military, to suffer himself, Mrs Bayard and family to pass and repass, freely without molestation. Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written.” In fine condition, with noticeable mirroring of ink. Accompanied by an unsigned engraved portrait.
The Jay Treaty, which was by this time nearly finalized, addressed one of the chief American grievances against Great Britain: the seizure of merchant vessels by the Royal Navy over the course of the preceding two years. One of the provisions of the treaty called for the British reimbursement for lost ships, and in November 1794 President Washington appointed Bayard, a Philadelphia attorney, as an agent to represent the interests of American ship owners in British Admiralty courts. Although Bayard’s daunting task was hampered by the need to correspond with hundreds of ship owners to obtain the requisite documentation, he and his successors were able to secure over ten million dollars in reparations for American ship owners by 1802. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
