Partly-printed DS, boldly signed “Th: Jefferson” as President and “James Madison” as Secretary of State, one page, 20.5 x 16.25, May 21, 1804. A four-language ship’s papers issued to Joseph Parke of New York, “master or commander of the ship called the Commerce,” whose cargo included “Ashes, Tobacco, Nankeens [a type of cloth originally made in China], Pimento, Rice, Coco of Cordials, Cotton, Whale oil, Rocoa [a tropical plant which is the source of the dye annatto], Logwood, Nicaraga [sic] Wood,” bound for “Nantz” [evidently Nantes, France]. Two embossed paper seals remain intact at left. In very good condition, with scattered soiling along edges, a few stains and wrinkles, edge wear, two faint vertical folds through both signatures, and small tears and partial separations at folds (tape-repaired from the reverse). Apart from the slightest point of contact between Madison’s signature and a countersignature, both signatures are unusually bold, clear, and handsome. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
