Wilson TLS Issuing Executive Order to Take Over Austrian Steamship

Signed "Woodrow Wilson" and addressed to Hon. Edward N. Hurley on the U.S. Shipping Board.1p typed, measuring 7" x 8.875", Washington, D.C., dated May 11, 1918. On White House stationery with multiple stamps and pencil notations. Pencil notations, possibly done in Hurley's hand, referencing Wilson's executive order. With flattened mail folds and small punch holes at the top edge. Some feathering and staining around the bold signature.

Wilson expresses his regrets about failed negotiations on the acquisition of Austrian tonnage. In full: "I have taken pleasure in signing the enclosed order. I am sorry the negotiations for the acquisition of the Austrian tonnage in Spanish waters failed. In haste." 

On this same day, May 11, 1918, President Wilson passed Executive Order No. 2859-A, Authorizing the Taking Over of the "Martha Washington". The ship was originally an ocean liner for the Austro-American Line but was taken by the U.S. as an enemy-owned vessel in April 1917. Nearly one year later, Wilson passed his Executive Order to authorize "that through the United States Shipping Board there be taken over to the United States the possession and title of the aforementioned vessel." Throughout the rest of the war, the vessel helped transport troops to France. After peace was established, the "Martha Washington" was sold to the Cosulich Line and absorbed into Italia Flotte Riunite in 1932, and renamed "Tel Aviv". She was eventually scrapped in 1934.

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!