Scarce partly-printed vellum DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 9.75 x 14.75, May 22, 1805. Scalloped-top ship’s pass issued for “the Brig Lydia Head, Theodore Stanwood master or commander…mounted with no guns, navigated with eight men to pass with her Company, Passengers, Goods and Mercha[ndise] without any hindrance, seizure or molestation of the said Brig.” Signed at the conclusion by President Jefferson and Secretary of State Madison, and also countersigned along the bottom by Benjamin Lincoln as collector. Document retains the white paper seal affixed to the lower left. In good condition, with heavy intersecting folds, heavy overall staining affecting legibility of the main text and signatures, and areas of paper loss to the left side; Jefferson’s signature is crisp and eminently legible, while Madison’s is nearly indistinguishable due to fading and creasing. Regardless of its imperfections, this represents one of the most sought after pairings of presidential signatures. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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