Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 15.5 x 8.5, October 1, 1806. Land grant issued to John Robertson of Franklin County, Pennsylvania for a parcel of land under an “Act of Congress entitled ‘An Act providing for the sale of the Lands of the United States in the territory north-west of the Ohio and above the mouth of the Kentucky River.’” Signed at the conclusion in ink by Jefferson, and countersigned by Madison. In good to very good condition, with overall wrinkling and creasing, a few tiny holes, scattered light toning and moderate soiling that touches Madison’s signature, intersecting folds, and Jefferson’s signature fairly light but still legible. The wafer seal is completely intact.
This document reflects what had been a common practice in the fledgling nation—one that repaid its Revolutionary War veterans with free land in exchange for their military service...but only after the British had been defeated. With victory in hand, American leaders repaid that debt, with the reward serving a dual purpose. By placing veterans on the frontier, the young United States could rely upon a trained military force that could offer protection from attacks by Native Americans. These state governments also encouraged the veterans to occupy their newly awarded lands by granting tax exemptions that ranged from a few years to the remainder of their life. A mutually beneficial policy and one embraced here by the likes of Jefferson and Madison. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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