J. Madison & J. Monroe Signed Ship's Papers for Brig "Hindu", One of the Fastest on the Atlantic

4th U.S. President James Madison (1751-1836) and 5th U.S. President James Monroe (1758-1831). A 1p partially printed document signed, "James Madison", as president, and "Jas. Monroe", as secretary of state. On scallop-top vellum measuring 11" x 14.75", Boston, March 25, 1817. Endorsed at verso by H. A. S. Dearborn and Thomas Melvill. Fully intact paper-covered seal at the bottom left. Intersecting folds, scattered stains, a bit of chipping to edges, else in near fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate from RR Auction.

Ship’s Pass issued for “the Brig Hindu, Michael Whitney, master or commander…mounted with two guns navigated with fifteen men, To Pass with her Company Passengers Goods and Merchandize without any hinderance seisure or molestation.” 

In 1816 Captain Augustine Heard, who had commanded Boston and Salem vessels for years, observed that during the Hindu's voyage from Calcutta to Boston, she sailed 7 to 7.5 knots an hour within six points of the wind, and 8.9 knots off the wind, making it a remarkably fast ship. The endorsements are also notable, as Dearborn was the son of Thomas Jefferson's secretary of war and Melvill was a participant in the Boston Tea Party. What is most unusual, however, is the date of issue; by March 15, 1817, Madison had been out of office for almost two weeks, and Monroe had succeeded him as president. The pass would have been signed well in advance and left blank, then sent to Boston where it was filled out with pertinent details. An especially interesting example of a presidential document with multiple historical associations.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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