Endorsement signature, “Go: Washington,” on the reverse of a manuscript document, dated October 18, 1787. The document is a receipt for an advertising in the Potomack [sic] Canal Company and reads, in part: “Be pleased to pay Samuel Davidson the above twenty four shillings and four pence Maryland Currency charging the same to the Patomack Canal Company for advertising the Subscription.” Signed on the reverse by Washington, as well as John Fitzgerald and George Giffin. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered toning and soiling, expected rough edges, small mounting remnant to top right corner, and some light show-through from writing on opposing sides.
In January 1785, Washington became president of the Patowmack Canal Company, whose business was opening of the Potomac River to permanent navigation. While his support of the project was invaluable, he was not an engineer, and so the company placed ads in newspapers in Baltimore and Philadelphia looking for help. Washington continued to be interested in the company and attended meetings after he had left for higher office and up to a year before his death. Always desirable in any form, this Washington example uniquely dates to one of the ‘other’ presidencies of the Father of Our Country. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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