Jeff Davis & Judah Benjamin Rare Privateer's Commission Dated January 1864
Jefferson Davis
Richmond, VA, January 8, 1864
Jeff Davis & Judah Benjamin Rare Privateer's Commission Dated January 1864
DS
Jefferson Davis and Judah Benjamin signed letter of marque, unengrossed. Oversized partly printed sheet, 16.75" x 11.75"; Richmond, Virginia; January 8, 1864. The unengrossed document would have authorized the named vessel "to act as a private armed vessel in the service of the Confederate States, on the high seas, against the United States of America, their Ships, Vessels, Goods, and Effects, and those of their citizens during the pendency of the War…" Signed, "Jefferson Davis" and countersigned by Judah P. Benjamin as Secretary of State. A scarce document, printed originally for use at Montgomery and subsequently altered in manuscript to read "Richmond." The year has likewise been changed from 1861 to 1864, with the final digit "1" modified to a "4". Negligible foxing, and with cello tape around the edges on verso from previous mounting. The bright blue seal is intact, making for an attractive presentation.
The commission is notable for its exceptionally late date. Confederate privateering flourished chiefly during the opening months of the Civil War. As the Union blockade tightened, privateering became increasingly difficult and less profitable. Shipowners and investors shifted their focus to blockade running, which offered greater commercial returns and less risk. A privateering commission prepared or renewed at so late a date as January 1864 is exceptionally scarce. The reuse of an earlier printed commission is evidence of paper shortages, limited Confederate printing capacity, and the disruptions of wartime administration.
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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Jefferson Davis
Richmond, VA, January 8, 1864
Jeff Davis & Judah Benjamin Rare Privateer's Commission Dated January 1864
DS
Jefferson Davis and Judah Benjamin signed letter of marque, unengrossed. Oversized partly printed sheet, 16.75" x 11.75"; Richmond, Virginia; January 8, 1864. The unengrossed document would have authorized the named vessel "to act as a private armed vessel in the service of the Confederate States, on the high seas, against the United States of America, their Ships, Vessels, Goods, and Effects, and those of their citizens during the pendency of the War…" Signed, "Jefferson Davis" and countersigned by Judah P. Benjamin as Secretary of State. A scarce document, printed originally for use at Montgomery and subsequently altered in manuscript to read "Richmond." The year has likewise been changed from 1861 to 1864, with the final digit "1" modified to a "4". Negligible foxing, and with cello tape around the edges on verso from previous mounting. The bright blue seal is intact, making for an attractive presentation.
The commission is notable for its exceptionally late date. Confederate privateering flourished chiefly during the opening months of the Civil War. As the Union blockade tightened, privateering became increasingly difficult and less profitable. Shipowners and investors shifted their focus to blockade running, which offered greater commercial returns and less risk. A privateering commission prepared or renewed at so late a date as January 1864 is exceptionally scarce. The reuse of an earlier printed commission is evidence of paper shortages, limited Confederate printing capacity, and the disruptions of wartime administration.
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.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
