Thomas Jefferson Military Appointment Signed. One partially-printed page, 13.25" x 17" (sight), May 22, 1801. A document that appoints Joshua Blake as "...a Lieutenant in the Navy in Service of the United States..." Signed by Jefferson as President, "Th: Jefferson." Countersigned by Henry Dearborn as Acting Secretary of the Navy. With embossed paper seal and military vignettes at the top and bottom margins. Ornately double matted and framed, with frame and decorative designs in 22k gold leaf, to an overall size of 34" x 27". Accompanied by COA from RR Auction. Lt. Joshua Blake fought in the first Barbary War where he commanded gunboat no. 3 during the attack on Tripoli. However, he was accused of cowardice by Master Commandant Thomas Robinson for failing to close during the fight. Blake was arrested and court martialed in 1805 for quarreling with a superior officer after challenging Robinson to a duel for his statement. Condition: One fold touching the top portion of the signature. Some areas of soiling and toning. Light wrinkling. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Buyer’s Premium Per Lot: This auction is subject to a Buyer’s Premium of 25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 12.5% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.