Millard Fillmore
Washington, D.C., April 27, 1852
Millard Fillmore "Affix the Seal" Re: Negotiations with German Cities
Partially printed DS

A partially-printed document signed "Millard Fillmore" in which the President orders negotiation with a group of German city-states. 1p, measuring 8.25" x 10.375", Washington, D.C., dated April 27, 1852. Within, Fillmore directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to "a full power to negotiate a Convention with the Plenipotentiary of the Free Hanseatic Cities". Exhibits light surface toning, with slightly uneven margins to right side edge; docketing present at middle verso. Very good to near fine overall.

The three Hanseatic Cities were Bremen, L?beck, and Hamburg (in modern Germany) and were free and independent city-states within the Holy Roman Empire. Although independent of each other, in the 19th century they formed a joint trade agreement, and served as major trading hubs between the United States and Germany. Fillmore directs here his Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, to negotiate a convention with the Republics to establish direct diplomatic relations. Relations were formalized the following year, in 1853, but were severed in 1868 when they joined the North German Confederation during German Unification. In 1871 they joined the German Empire.

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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8.25" x 10.375"