Description:

Jefferson Thomas

Thomas Jefferson & James Madison Signed Multilingual Ship's Passport

 

A multilingual ship's passport signed by 3rd U.S. President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) as "Th: Jefferson" at right center, and countersigned by James Madison (1751-1836), then Secretary of State and Jefferson's presidential successor, as "James Madison" below Jefferson's signature. Undated, but docketed July 1806 verso. The large sheet of laid watermarked paper is partly printed and partly handwritten, and an applied paper blind embossed seal is located along the right edge. Expected paper folds, some well-creased and with isolated closed tears. Expert repairs throughout, but nowhere near the bold signatures. Scattered stains and chipped edges. Else very good to near fine. 22.75" x 16.875".

 

President Jefferson's request for the safe passage of the ship William is conveyed in English, French, Spanish, and Dutch in four side-by-side columns.

 

In part:

 

"BE IT KNOWN, That leave and permission are hereby given to David Sherry --- master and commander of the Ship called the Williams - of the burthen of 384 832 tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New York - bound for Liverpool - and laden with Rice - Turpentine - flour - Cotton Indigo - Bark - Skins…"

 

Captain David Sherry is listed as a member (and ship master) with the Marine Society of the City of New York as member no. 1356. He was admitted into the guild on December 23, 1795. Captain Sherry commanded the New York-based vessel Oneida two years later in 1797, when he was recorded as being involved with a French spoliation claim. When he commanded the William in July 1806, then, Captain Sherry could be considered a seasoned mariner. One can only imagine what privateering, impressment, and other outrages Captain Sherry witnessed during the Quasi War with France, or would witness during the War of 1812!

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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