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Partly-printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson" as president and "James Madison" as secretary of state, one page, 21 x 16.75, no date. Four-language ship's papers filled out in the English section only, issued to "William Coit, master and commander of the ship called the Ann…lying at present in the port of New York, bound for Hull and laden with Iron, Turpentine, Rosin…Cotton, oil of Turpentine, Ash, Flour, Rice, Lignum vitae." Boldly signed at the center in ink by President Thomas Jefferson and countersigned below by Secretary of State James Madison. The white paper seal affixed in the left margin remains intact. Impressively suede-matted and framed with engraved portraits of Jefferson and Madison and two small name plaques to an overall size of 45 x 25.5. In fine condition, with intersecting folds and some small repairs along a couple of folds affecting a few lines of printed text. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
These multilingual ship’s papers served as an official passport for American vessels abroad, identifying the Ann, her master, destination, and cargo while attesting to her United States registry. Laden with raw materials and agricultural commodities for Hull, the document offers a vivid record of the young nation’s expanding Atlantic trade under Jefferson and Madison, enhanced by the bold signatures of two principal architects of the early republic.
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