Partly printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page on vellum, 11.5 x 14.5, December 15, 1801. A grant for a 1000-acre parcel of land, issued to Jonathan Clark, “a Lieutenant Colonel for seven years,” under the provisions of “An Act to enable the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment…” The reverse of document bears a handwritten endorsement by Secretary of War H[enry] Dearborn, which reads, in part: “Jonathan Clark was originally entitled to the Bounty Land granted to him by the within patent....” Matted and framed (so that the endorsement on reverse is visible) to an overall size of 24.5 x 21.5. The man named in the document is most likely General Jonathan Clark, who served under Washington and participated in the Battles of Monmouth and Paulus Hook. Clark, who was captured along with General Benjamin Lincoln’s forces in 1780, remained a prisoner until the spring of 1781. The document retains its original embossed paper seal (lightly worn and toned). In very good to fine condition, with mild toning along previous storage folds and edges, fold through a single letter of Madison’s signature, handwritten portions of document a shade or two light, and scattered light foxing. Jefferson’s and Madison’s signatures are bold, clean, and quite prominent. A very presentable example! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
