Thomas Jefferson/James Madison Dually Signed Ship's Papers

Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Four Language Ship's Paper neatly signed at center in ink by President Thomas Jefferson, "Th Jefferson",  and countersigned below by "James Madison" as Secretary of State. One page, partly printed in four languages: French, Spanish, English, and Dutch; Bristol, Connecticut; October 26, 1803. There is a paper seal of the United States affixed on the left, and a smaller seal affixed below it. In fine condition, with some minor paper loss and folds.

Such sea letters were commonly issued in the early 19th century and were typically signed by the President, the Secretary of State, and the customs collector - in this example, Jefferson, Madison, and David Gelston, respectively. The sea letters officially identified a ship's national origin and cargo and requested fair and neutral treatment for the vessel as it traveled to and from its destination. This is a spectacular example, featuring a most desirable combination of presidents,

Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and Founding Father who served as the third president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. He was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Following the American Revolutionary War and prior to becoming president in 1801, Jefferson was the nation's first U.S. secretary of state under George Washington and then the nation's second vice president under John Adams.

James Madison (March 16, 1751 – June 28, 1836) was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Madison was popularly acclaimed the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

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