Ship's papers - Signed
#77834
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RARE SHIP’S PAPERS BOLDLY SIGNED BY BOTH WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON, 1793WASHINGTON, George. Document signed, partially printed and completed in manuscript. New York, October 8, 1793. Folio (12-1/2 by 16 inches), printed and signed on the recto. Handsomely matted and framed, entire piece measures 15-1/2 by 21-1/2 inches. $42,000.Ship’s papers granting permission to the commander of the brigantine The Betsey, to depart from the port of New York “laden with onions and flour” and sail to the West Indies. President Washington and Secretary of State Jefferson have both boldly signed this document. With the fragile affixed paper seals of both the United States and the Mayoralty of New York present.Because ships leaving U.S. ports needed ship identification papers before a voyage, documents such as this one were signed by the President and Secretary of State ahead of time and forwarded to the port. The Collector of the Port would then fill in the required information and the date. This document was signed in Philadelphia prior to October 8, 1793, but was issued from New York City on that date. Document printed in three columns on the recto of this folio leaf, completed in manuscript. With text in English, French and Dutch. President Washington and Secretary of State Jefferson have both signed. The document grants permission to one Gabriel Havens, commander of the brigantine The Betsey, to depart from the port of New York, “laden with onions and flour” and sail to “the West Indies.” It contains oaths that the named ship is owned by United States citizens “and that no subjects of the present belligerent powers have any part or portion therein.” The document bears the official seals of the United States, and is also countersigned by John Lamb, Collector of Customs for the port of New York; the document has additionally been twice signed by Richard Varick, mayor of the city of New York from 1791-1801.Tiny tear to lower corners, a few tiny tears along folds. Signatures large, bold and clear. An exceptionally handsome document with fine signatures.