Partly-printed DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 20.5 x 16.5, July 14, 1804. A four-language ship’s papers issued to James Kennedy, “master or commander of the brig called Experiment…lying at present at the port of New Orleans bound for Liverpool and laden with cotton & logwood….” Affixed to the bottom of the paper is the seldom-seen notarized manuscript document, written out and signed by Henry Brown, which reads, “Sworn by Captain James Kennedy to the truth of the…Sea Letter of the Brig Experiment. At New Orleans on this thirteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and four.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (horizontal fold lightly touching top edge of Jefferson’s signature; a few partial separations and all folds reinforced from reverse), show-through from adhesive on reverse, feathering to Madison’s signature, mild wrinkling, and a few scattered areas of staining. The white wafer seal is toned and intact. A very desirable presidential combination with Jefferson’s signature exceptionally large, bold, and dark. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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