Details:

Samuel L. Southard autographed document signed (DS), dated November 1, 1826, issued by the United States Navy Department during his tenure as Secretary of the Navy under President John Quincy Adams.

The partially printed Navy Department circular requests information from naval officers concerning their state or territory of birth, the state from which they received their appointment, and their current state of citizenship. The information was being collected to correct and update the official Navy Register.

The document reads, in part:

"In the three columns below you will be pleased to insert the State or Territory in which you were born; that from which you were appointed into the service; and that of which you now claim citizenship; and return this letter as early as practicable, to enable the Department to correct the Navy Register."

The circular is addressed to Midshipman Charles Hayward of the U.S. Navy, with the three columns completed in manuscript, each identifying Maine as the relevant state.

Signed "Saml. L. Southard" in ink beneath the printed closing.

An interesting early American naval document issued during Southard's administration of the Navy Department, reflecting the government's efforts to maintain accurate records of its commissioned officers.

The document measures approximately 8 x 10 inches. Very good condition with original folds, scattered age toning, minor handling wear, and small irregularities along the edges.

Samuel Lewis Southard (1787–1842) was an American statesman who served as United States Secretary of the Navy, Governor of New Jersey, United States Senator, and President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate.

Appointed Secretary of the Navy by President James Monroe in 1823, Southard continued in that position throughout the administration of President John Quincy Adams, serving until 1829. During his tenure, he oversaw the development and administration of the expanding United States Navy.

Southard later served as Governor of New Jersey from 1832 to 1833 before returning to the United States Senate. In 1841, following the death of President William Henry Harrison and the succession of Vice President John Tyler to the presidency, Southard served as President Pro Tempore of the Senate during the resulting vacancy in the vice presidency. In this capacity, he performed the Senate's presiding duties normally associated with the vice president and was sometimes referred to as Acting Vice President of the United States.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419330-1