Description:

William Henry Harrison
Washington, D.C., April 30, 1841
William Henry Harrison As President Signed Ship's Passport for Doomed Whaling Ship. Finest Example of Few Known! True Rarity
DS
A ship's passport signed by William Henry Harrison as President. 1p, measuring 11.5" x 15", [Washington, D.C.], dated April 30, 1841. Signed "W H Harrison" and countersigned by Daniel Webster as Secretary of State. Issued at New Bedford for the Brig Agate, commanded by Peleg Cornell. Ship passports provided the full protection of the United States government to American-flagged vessels. The scalloped edge at the top indicates where a duplicate was removed and retained while the other half went to sea. Decorated with two engraved marine scenes. With the original papered great seal of the United States at lower left. With flattened folds and light toning. Light creasing around the seal. Boldly signed. Documents signed by Harrison as president are extremely rare as a result of his short term.

This document, issued nearly four weeks after Harrison's untimely death, reflects the practice of signing ships' papers ahead of time and accomplishing them as needed. Harrison signed a small number during his brief presidency, and local marine officials apparently used some of these remaining blank passports after Harrison's death. For reasons of expediency or frugality, the New Bedford office issued the present document rather than wait for new blank documents bearing successor John Tyler's signature.

At 68 years of age, William Henry Harrison was the oldest president to date (and until Ronald Reagan's presidency) to take the oath of office. His inauguration day was cold and blustery, and he proceeded to deliver the longest inaugural address of any President at an hour and 40 minutes. Harrison wore neither coat, nor hat, nor gloves, and was later soaked by rain. His common cold worsened to pneumonia until he succumbed on April 4, a few hours shy of a month in office. Harrison's death led to the first application of Article II, section 1 of the Constitution, whose provision for the succession of the Vice-President was subject as yet untested.

Peleg Cornell (1805-1876) was a Westport, Massachusetts captain who sailed as captain on several successful whaling voyages by the brig Agate. In July 1843, under Captain Vincent, the vessel and crew were lost in severe storms off the Cape Verde islands.

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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    Dimensions:
  • 11.5" x 15"
  • Artist Name:
  • William Henry Harrison
  • Medium:
  • DS

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