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$11,900.00
An 1800 document commissioning and authorizing a private ship to "subdue, seize, and take any armed French vessel", beautifully signed by John Adams as President and countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State.
This document was issued during the Franco-American War, which was an undeclared war fought mostly at sea between the United States and French Republic from 1798 to 1800.
This document, dated February 14, 1800 (Valentine's Day), was issued from the Nation's Capital in Philadelphia, and grants commission to the private armed Brig "The Peacock", owned by "Eben Parsons of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Merchant." The Peacock carried eight carriage guns, fourteen men, and was Captained by David Crafts.
"In pursuance of an Act of Congress of the United States" the document authorizes the lieutenants "and the other officers and crew thereof to subdue, seize and take and armed French vessel which shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the United States, or elsewhere on the high seas"... "together with all French persons and others".
Privateers became even more important to the United States Naval strategy in the War of 1812 a dozen years later.
An incredible piece of US History, from one of the most critical moments of Adams' administration.
Adams was extremely proud of having kept the nation out of war; later in life he even asked that his tombstone read "Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of Peace with France in the year 1800."
The document is in good condition, but the right side of the middle fold has started to split, and has some minor moisture damage (from years ago). The seal is completely intact, but has two splits in the wax across the middle. There are three very small pinholes down the left margin. Otherwise, the document has a light even toning, and the writing and signatures are dark and clear. There are numerous folds, including minor folds underneath the signatures, but both autographs are bold, stellar examples. Overall, a very nice example considering the scarcity of John Adams Presidential signed documents on the market.
One of the nicer-looking Adams documents that we have seen.
Archival frame with a simple dark wood frame moulding.
Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity from The Autograph Source (Lifetime Guarantee).
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A historical note... Eben Parsons' (B. Glouster, MA 1746 - D.1819 Byfield, MA) family can be traced back to the early 1700's in Massachusetts.
For more information on the Franco-American war:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasi-War
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