Manuscript DS signed 'Andrew Jackson' as president and 'M. Van Buren' as secretary of state, one page, 9 x 12.5, November 9, 1830. Jackson appoints 'Nathaniel Niles, Secretary of the Legation of the United States of America, to his Majesty the King of the French, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or Office doth appertain.' In good to very good condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, one through a single letter of each signature, staining and old repairs along right edge, affecting end of Jackson’s signature, uniform toning to page, some scattered small stains, and mounting remnants to reverse. The seal is intact and remarkably white.
America’s relationship with France during this period was strained, particularly over spoilation claims made by the US over the capture of American merchant vessels. As one of Jackson’s representatives, Niles received this appointment in the hope of settling the matter. In July 1831, Jackson's minister to France convinced a reluctant French government to sign a treaty in which France agreed to pay the United States 25 million francs; in return, the US paid a small sum to extinguish French claims against the American government and reduced the duties on French wines. It would not be until the spring of 1836 that the successful conclusion of a settlement with France over spoliation claims, dating from the Napoleonic era, was finally reached. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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