Spring Premium Live and Catalog Auction Ending May 20(1-70) and June 3
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/4/2017
President James Madison led the young United States of America through some of the nation’s early growing pains, including the War of 1812 and the Era of Good Feelings. In addition to his presidency, Madison was a crucial figure in the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
In 1810, a year into his presidency, Madison signed this ships commission. It allowed the schooner Ann, commanded by William Doliber of Marblehead, Massachusetts, to embark upon a trade mission to Europe. Its destination was the city of La Rochelle, a trading port located on the Sea of Biscay. The Ann was slated to deliver a cargo of “Green Cod Fish” to its trading partners in the Old World.
This commission was signed in December of 1810 by Madison, as well as his Secretary of State, Robert Smith. Collector Joseph Wilson provided the countersignature, and Nathan Bowen, a Notary Public for the County of Essex also signed this document. The commission is printed in four languages, English, Spanish, French, and Dutch. The document itself measures 21 x 17 inches, and remains in good condition save for wear around the edges and some folding. The Presidential watermark remains in excellent condition. This document comes in a 30 x 26 inch frame, and it comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (AB12547).