Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 11.5 x 17.5, July 1, 1801. Scallop-topped ship's pass issued to "the Schooner Hope of Castine, Jonathan Holbrook master or commander." The handsome document boasts a large vignette at the top portraying a lighthouse flanked by American ships. Signed at the conclusion by President Jefferson and countersigned by Acting Secretary of State Levi Lincoln. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left is worn but intact. In very good condition, with heavy intersecting folds, toning, soiling, and creasing (passing through the start of Jefferson's signature). Accompanied by an unsigned engraved portrait. This type of document was generally left blank and signed in advance by the president and secretary of state, then sent to ports and harbors to be filled out as needed. This pass must have been signed quite early in Jefferson's term—Levi Lincoln, appointed as attorney general, also served as acting secretary of state from March 5 through May 1, 1801. James Madison had been officially named to the position, but did not arrive in Washington until May due to illness. A scarce and desirable presidential document—this is the first such Thomas Jefferson-Levi Lincoln example we have encountered.
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