Lot 146

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Description:

Andrew Jackson & Martin Van Buren Signed Scalloped Ship's Passport for New York Brig

A stately 1p document signed by 7th U.S. President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) as "Andrew Jackson" at lower right; the enormous signature measures 5.875" x 1.125" alone. Countersigned by then Secretary of State and future 8th U.S. President Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) as "M van Buren" below; and by Collector of the Port of the City of New York Samuel Swartwout (1783-1856) as "Saml Swartwout / Collector" below. Dated October 5, 1829 presumably in Washington, D.C. Partly handwritten and partly printed on vellum, with an embossed presidential seal at lower left. A charming vignette of a sailing ship and lighthouse at top has a scalloped edge. Expected wrinkles and folds and isolated light soiling. Moderate loss to the seal and a minor closed tear along the bottom edge, else near fine. Flanked by portraits of Van Buren and Jackson, and matted and framed in a floating mount behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. Sight size of document: 10.75" x 15." Overall framed size: 28.125" x 22.75" x 1.125."

In part: "By the President of the United States of America, Suffer the Brig Thacher of New-York = Stephen Thacher - master / commander of the burthen of One hundred forty five tons + 30/75 tons or thereabouts mounted with no guns navigated with Eight men To Pass with her Company Passengers Goods and Merchandize without any hinderance seisure or molestation the said Brig…"

Little is known about the Brig "Thacher" commanded by New York resident Stephen Thacher, but the document alludes to another compelling story: the political rivalry of two of its signees, Martin Van Buren and Samuel Swartwout.

The Collector of the Port of New York was a prestigious position, and one responsible for collecting the bulk of customs proceeds for the entire federal government. Andrew Jackson had appointed Samuel Swartwout city port collector in 1829. Van Buren disliked Swartwout and opposed his appointment. After Swartwout's tenure expired in March 1828, evidence suggests that President Van Buren "adjusted" the books to make it look like Swartwout had stolen over $1,000,000 and then absconded to England. This was at best a manipulation of the facts, and at worst an outright lie. Swartwout had indeed retained over $200,000 of port monies to settle any pending claims, but he ultimately repaid this money.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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