A FOUR LANGUAGE SHIP’S PAPER SIGNED BY JAMES MADISON AS PRESIDENT

JAMES MADISON (1751-1836).  Madison was the Fourth President and “Father of the Constitution.” 

ROBERT SMITH (1757-1842).  Smith was the sixth Secretary of State, serving from 1809 to 1811.

DS. 1pg. 20” x 16”. March 20, 1810. New York.  A four language ship’s paper signed “James Madison” as President and “R Smith” as Secretary of State.  The document, printed in English, French, Spanish and Dutch, is for the brig Mary and Eliza of Gloucester, Massachusetts.  It was commanded by Charles Parsons, bound for St. Petersburgh [sic], and carried coffee, pepper, rice, tobacco and other sundry goods.  The large document is in good condition with the usual folds, an intact seal, and a very large and dark James Madison autograph.  There is horizontal staining towards the top, several small holes along the vertical fold, and chipping to the right margin.