Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “G:o Washington,” one page, 7.5 x 3.5, December 20, 1796. Conclusion of a presidential document. In full: “Given under my Hand and the Seal of the United States of America, the twentieth day of December in the year of our Lord one [thou]sand seven hundred and ninety six.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), scattered foxing, and a charred left side (affecting a few words of the document’s text but not the signature). This document was issued at the end of Washington’s presidency as he was preparing to retire to Mount Vernon, with Vice President John Adams succeeding him as the nation’s leader. It was during this period that he issued his tremendously influential farewell address—first published three months before this document—in which he focused on the importance of national unity, Constitutional law, and isolationism. Despite the damage to the left, the signature area is crisp and clean, presenting a fine example of Washington’s presidential autograph. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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