Partly-printed DS, signed “Theodore Roosevelt” as president and “Wm. H. Taft” as secretary of war, one page, 20.5 x 16.75, March 1, 1907. Roosevelt appoints Theodore P. Shonts a “member and Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission.” Signed at the conclusion by Roosevelt and countersigned by Taft. Framed to an overall size of 22 x 18. In very good condition, with heavy central horizontal and vertical fold, with a partial separation along horizontal fold, and scattered toning. The blue seal is slightly worn, but intact.
Roosevelt established the Isthmian Canal Commission in 1904 to oversee construction of the Panama Canal, a project that the president viewed as being of utmost importance to the American people. The commission reported directly to Taft, whose Department of War directed the canal’s excavation. By 1907, however, the project’s chief engineer started bypassing the group’s authority and sending requests directly to Roosevelt’s administration. Two presidential signatures on a single document pertaining to one of the most significant waterways constructed. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$150.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
