Lot 256E email save

MADISON, James. Partly-printed document signed, a

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Washington: 3 March 1809 [but 4 or 5 March 1809]. 1 p. (410 x 500 mm). Paper-covered seals intact. Condition: minor restoration along the folds, partially inlaid. dated the day before his first inauguration. This document may very well be the first such signed by Madison as President. Although dated the day before his inauguration, that date is the one in which the clerk filled in the form. Interestingly, while these documents were generally co-signed by the Secretary of State, no such signature is found here. Instead, a clerk has addded the note revealing that office to be "vacant at the signing by the President." Thus, as Robert Smith was appointed on 6 March, this document must have been signed by Madison on either 4 March (the day of his inauguration) or 5 March. Either way, it is one of the earliest Presidential signed documents from his pen.

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