American statesman (1745–1829) who served variously as President of the Continental Congress, diplomat, and, from 1789 to 1795, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Partly printed DS, signed “John Jay” as President of Congress, one page, 13.5 x 8.25, August 28, 1779. A license issued to George Thomson, “Mariner, Commander of the Brigantine called the Achilles … belonging to John Wilcocks Samuel and Thomas Morris, mounting twelve Carriage Guns, and navigated by thirty Men, to fit out and set forth the said Brigantine in a warlike Manner, and … by Force of Arms, to attack, subdue, and take all Ships and other Vessels whatsoever carrying Soldiers, Arms, Gunpowder, Ammunition, Provisions, or any other contraband Goods to any of the British Armies or Ships of War employed against these United States also to attack, seize and take all ships or other vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain….” In very good condition, with intersecting folds (scattered holes, spots of thinning, and separations affecting a few letters of text; entire document restored and stabilized by professional archival reinforcement to reverse); somewhat irregular toning, and scattered light spotting. The signature is bold, dark, and otherwise unaffected. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
