George Washington presided over the United States as its first president, from 1789 to 1797. Tasked with growing a fledgling nation while remaining friendly with the European giants who encroached on the fruitful western hemisphere, Washington navigated a treacherous time in global politics. The Jay Treaty of 1795, one of Washington’s most important diplomatic masterstrokes, ensured friendly relations with the empire of Great Britain, most notably by normalizing trade relations.

This 4 ½ x 7 ¾ inch document dates to just before the Jay Treaty, in 1793. It gives one “Thomas Dayley” license to take a schooner called “John Morton”, laden with 96 tons of supplies, to depart from the city of Boston for the West Indies. The schooner carried a cargo of “Bacon, beef, bread, butter, fish, flour, lumber” and many more necessities due for the Caribbean. This document, countersigned by Boston’s deputy collector Benjamin Wild, was signed on July 24th, 1793. Washington has signed the bottom of this document in flowing black fountain pen, his signature completely covering the bottom of the page. This item has been encapsulated by Beckett Authentication in a 9 ½ x 13 inch holder, and who have graded this document a stunning GEM MINT 9.5 (0009262413). Additionally, PSA/DNA have authenticated this document (Z01635) and this number appears in their online database https://www.psacard.com/cert/z01635/ and there is no PSA/DNA LOA. A copy of the certification number in the PSA/DNA database will be sent to the winning bidder. This tremendous artifact is a remarkable piece of American history, and one of the finest George Washington documents in the hobby.

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