Single page manuscript letter signed, 7.5" x 7.5". Penned in another hand and boldly signed by Alexander Hamilton as "A. Hamilton". Dated "Treasury Department July 5, 1792". Trimmed along bottom edge with traces of missing text, wax seal along left margin. Small intact tear along fold line at left edge. A lovely clean document with strong contrasting ink and a bold signature. Attractively matted with a portrait print of Hamilton and housed in an executive style frame, measuring 28" x 22.5" overall. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
"Herewith are transmitted parts of the margins of two certificates of Registry issued at your office according to the memo subjoined-which have been dated as noted thereon determined to the Treary
No 18 May 13, 1792 I am sir
Dec 7, 1791 your obed Servt
A. Hamilton"
As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and an author of the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton's (1755/1757–1804) legacy lives on even centuries after his death. Hamilton was an American statesman, politician, scholar, military commander, lawyer, banker and economist that held a very important role in the founding of the United States. Alexander Hamilton acted as the country's very first Secretary of the Treasury and authored countless policies under George Washington's administration. Hamilton was instrumental in the founding of the first national bank, the country's first tariff system, and established commercial economic policy for the newly formed nation.
The basic format for a Certificate of Registry was established by an Act of 31 December 1792, which prescribed numerous regulations for American shipping. The document was issued throughout the customs districts, to any American owned and built vessel over 20 tons, employed in foreign trade. It contained the vessel name, as well as the names of the owners and master. A physical description of the vessel was also included, along with the name of the place where she was built. Before the Act of 1792, each state was responsible for registering and certifying vessels.