John Jay Congressional document signed ("John Jay") as President of the Continental Congress. One printed page, 7.5" x 12.5", no place, [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]; no date, [circa 1778-1779]. Broadside. [Philadelphia: Printed by John Dunlap, 1776.] Revolutionary Broadside, signed by John Jay as President of the Continental Congress, with instructions for privateers. A Congressional document containing instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war during the Revolutionary War. It reads, in part: "Wednesday. April 3, 1776. Instructions to the Commander of Private Ships or Vessels of War, which shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal authoring them to make Captures of British Vessels and Cargoes." It then lists eleven Articles, elaborating in detail upon what the Commanders and their personnel are permitted to do. Boldly signed "John Jay" while president of the Continental Congress. Evans notes this document was reprinted and remained in use until 1780, with later editions signed in manuscript by the current President of the Continental Congress, as seen here. It is accompanied by a hand-colored engraving of Jay in his judicial robes. John Jay (1745-1829) served as the sixth president of the Continental Congress from December 1778 to September 1779 after succeeding Henry Laurens. He later became the first chief justice of the United States. He also served as one of George Washington's secretaries of state, a minister to Spain, a secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the governor of New York. He was a prominent member of the Federalist party during the 1780s and 1790s. Reference: Evans 15137, later edition. Condition: Rough edges. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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