Lot 384

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Description:

George Washington Signed Three-language Ship's Papers for the Sloop "Hiram", Quasi-War Related

1p partly-printed, measuring 12.5" x 15", New Haven, Connecticut, dated November 25, 1794. Boldly signed "Go: Washington" as President and countersigned by Edmund Randolph as Secretary of State. Also signed by David Austin, Collector of the Customs, and by Samuel Bishop, Mayor. A three-language ship's paper, printed in French, English, and Dutch, issued to "James Humphrey master or commander of the Sloop called Hiram of the burthen of 88 tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of Derby bound for St. Bartholomew and laden with Horses, Oxen, Port, Beef, Staves, Hoops, Cornmeal, Swine, Sheep, & Poultry…" With two intact paper seals. The document has been mounted to a thick cardstock. With flattened folds, and toning and foxing throughout. Spots of soiling throughout, and red wax remnants at the center. A small hole and wear at the center from the wax seal. Bold and clear signature.

With England and France at war, American ships carrying provisions to the Indies found themselves in danger of being attacked, and the American government issued ships passports to guarantee safe passage. James Humphreys would own another ship called the "Hiram", a 100-ton brig built in Derby in 1796, that became a casualty during the Quasi-War with France. The ship departed for New Haven from Antigua on May 4, 1798, under British escort, but got separated from the British vessel. She was carrying $14,000 worth of rum and sugar and was spotted by the French privateer "Les Deux Amis" and was seized. The French captain took the "Hiram" to Basse-Terre and the vessel and cargo were condemned by the Tribunal of Commerce.

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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May 26, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000