Partly-printed DS as president, signed “Th: Jefferson" as president and "James Madison" as secretary of state, one page, 20.5 x 16.5, July 11, 1804. Four-language ship's pass issued to "Lewis McMillan, master or commander of the Brig called Fame…lying at present in the port of Biddeford, bound for St. Vincent and laden with Boards, Plank, Staves, Shingles, Shooks, Bread & flour." Neatly signed at center in ink by President Thomas Jefferson, and countersigned below by Secretary of State James Madison. The original white paper seal affixed to the left side remains fully intact. In very good to fine condition, with light edge wear, and splitting to the multiple intersecting folds (some reinforced with archival tape on the reverse); both signatures are clean and unaffected. United States ships carried four-language sea letters in the 18th and 19th centuries to show ownership, nationality, cargo, and destination. This example features a most desirable combination of presidents, boasting particularly bold, crisp autographs of Jefferson and Madison
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