Thomas Jefferson Document Signed

Partly-printed vellum DS as president, signed “Th: Jefferson,” one page, 14 x 17.5, March 13, 1805. President Jefferson appoints George Colegate as "a Surgeon's Mate in the Navy in the Service of the United States." Signed at the conclusion by Thomas Jefferson, and countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith. The Navy Department seal remains affixed to lower vignette. In very good to fine condition, with light toning and soiling. George Colegate served as assistant surgeon on the USS Hornet, the USS Enterprise, and on the USS Constitution in the Mediterranean between 1805 and 1807. Medical naval appointments are rare and highly sought-after.