THOMAS JEFFERSON & JAMES MADISON * JSA * Autograph SHIP'S PASSPORT Signed * 1803
Guaranteed Authentic
3rd President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the most influential Founding Fathers, THOMAS JEFFERSON and Founding Father & 4th President JAMES MADISON authentic autographed partly printed ship's passport on vellum signed by both, dated January 24, 1803 from Washington, presented in a vintage framed display. Jefferson signs as President, with Madison co-signing as Secretary of State. Countersigned by David Gelston, Collector for the Port of New York. With original Presidential wafer seal.
Interior handwritten text is faded but from what we can discern, passport appears to have been issued to a John Conklin, the ship's master:
“By the President of the United States of America Suffer the Ship [?] of New Bedford John Conklin master or commander of the burden of Two Hundred Forty Three 15/95. tons or thereabouts, mounted with no guns, navigated with 10 men to pass with her Company, Passengers, Goods, and Merchandise without any hindrance, seizure or molestation: the said Brig appearing by good testimony to belong to one or more of the Citizens of the United States and to him or them only.”
These passports, given to ships rather than individuals, were issued to U.S. vessels engaged in foreign trade, and are among the most attractive of presidential signed documents. Scalloped ship’s passports signed by Jefferson and Madison are quite uncommon. An investment-quality acquisition for any truly exceptional collection.
The Jefferson and Madison signed passport has been thoroughly reviewed and certified authentic by JSA (James Spence Authentication) expert examination – your assurance of absolute authenticity. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE. Purchase includes original JSA Letter of Authenticity.
Condition is as shown, with deep folds and some vellum shrinkage, consistent with age, use, handling and display. Document appears to have been trimmed to remove scalloped portion. Document measures approx. 16.25" x 11.25". Vintage frame is in good, used condition and measures appx. 21.5" x 16.5". Both Jefferson’s and Madison's signatures are light, as shown. Small inset tear to overlapping vellum fold touching the "n" in Jefferson's last name.
Own a remarkable, original piece of early U.S. history! The perfect acquisition for a museum, political collector, Presidential autograph enthusiast, or history buff. A must have addition to any collection!
Sold as is, as shown.