Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8.5 x 11, February 7, 1871. President Grant orders the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States “to a respite until the ninth day of June next of the execution of the sentence of death upon the body of one John R. Smith, convicted of murder in the Supreme Court of the Territory of Washington.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Grant. The document has been removably archivally sleeved in acid free Mylar. Horizontal fold through tops of several letters of signature, and a uniform shade of mild toning, otherwise fine condition.
Smith had been indicted for the 1868 murder of Edward James Butler onboard the Marinus. Smith’s attorney argued that as the alleged crime took place on the sea, it was out of the jurisdiction of any state. With arguments eventually reaching the US Supreme Court, justices maintained that at the time of the attack the vessel was in the bay of Port Blakely...and within the legal jurisdiction of the United States. Smith was eventually executed for the crime. Outstanding ‘crime-and-punishment’-themed document from the 18th president of the United States and a scarce example. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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