Lot 155

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Jefferson & Madison Signed Four-language Ship's Papers for the Essex  

1p partly-printed, measuring 22" x 17", Newburyport, Massachusetts, dated June 20, 1801. Boldly signed "Th:Jefferson" as President and countersigned, "James Madison," as Secretary of State. A four-language ship's paper, printed in French, Spanish, English, and Dutch, issued to "George Jenkins master or commander of the ship called the Essex of the burthen of two hundred thirty eight tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of Newburyport bound for Amsterdam and laden with Sugar, Cotton, Logwood, Coffee, otter skins, tortoise shells…" With an intact paper seal at the left. Countersigned by Dudley A Tyng, Collector of Customs.

On verso is a handwritten letter from the Consular Office of the United States in Amsterdam, dated August 19, 1801. This reads in part, "I Sylvanus Bourne Consul Genl. Of said States do hereby certify that Capt. Geo Henkins has duly made his voyage to this port in the American ship Essex & having discharged her for sale the cargo mentioned in this Letter proceeds…for some port in the Baltick [sic]…I would therefore recommend Land Ship & Concerns to rec. Respects & Protection of the Citizens & of the Armed Vessels of the several belligerent Powers which is due to the Rights & property of the Newburyport Citizens." The document has been framed so that both sides may be visible, to the overall size of 25.75" x 21". With flattened folds, small separations starting at the edges. A few spots of soiling and foxing. Very clean examples of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison signatures.

The Essex, built in 1799 in Amesbury, Massachusetts, sailed for five years as a merchant ship before being converted into a whaling ship in 1804. Possibly related to the famous Essex of Melville fame.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

April 14, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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