Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 7.25 x 8.25, December 6, 1875. President Grant authorizes the Secretary of State “to affix the Seal of the United States to a Warrant authorizing James G. Tilley to receive into custody William J. Sharkey, a fugitive from the justice of the United States.” Neatly signed at the conclusion by Grant. Simply double cloth matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 14.25. In fine, crisp condition, with a horizontal fold passing through the signature.
In September 1872, William J. Sharkey, a sometime New York politician who was more successful as a gambler, killed his friend and fellow gambler, Robert S. Dunn, following an argument concerning a debt. Sentenced to death by hanging in 1873, he later escaped—with the help of his girlfriend and women’s garb—fled to Cuba, leaving behind no trail. Despite Grant’s 1875 issuance of this warrant for Sharkey’s capture, the gunman was never found in the United States...authorities would have had to search the streets of Havana, where he was believed to have spent the rest of his life. A scarce and desirable presidential document.
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