This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/27/2019
"When Thomas Jefferson took office in 1901, he moved as quickly as possible to fill his cabinet positions. Although he had asked James Madison to be his Secretary of State, Madison did not arrive in Washington until May 1 due to illness. In the interim, Jefferson asked Massachusetts representative and newly appointed Attorney General Levi Lincoln, Sr. to act temporarily as Secretary of State, which he did from March 5, 1801, until Madison assumed his duties on May 2. Offered here is a rare four language ship's passport document from that two month time period issued to ""John Nichols of Glassenbury, master or commander of the Brig called the Smilax...lying at present in the port of N. York bound for London and laden with Flour, Rye, Meal, Corn, Rice, Madera, Butter, Harry Indian Meal, Ginsang, Saffron, Peppers, Lumber, Books, Bees Wax."" The document, dated April 15, 1801 has been signed crisply by President Thomas Jefferson and countersigned by Acting Secretary of State Lincoln. In very good condition, with overall creasing, toning and small areas of paper loss along intersecting folds, a tear to the lower left edge, the document affixed to backing and both seals missing. An incredibly rare document signed very early in Jefferson's term, in the small period of time before Madison stepped in as Secretary of State. This is only the second such Thomas Jefferson-Levi Lincoln document we know to have surfaced on the market. Don't miss this rare opportunity! Authenticated by Beckett/BAS with a full letter of authenticity.