Details:

Levi Woodbury autographed official Navy Department document signed (DS), dated March 8, 1832, Washington, D.C., during his tenure as United States Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson.

The partially printed document grants a three-month leave of absence to Passed Midshipman George A. Prentiss of the United States Navy, stationed at Boston, Massachusetts. The handwritten portions specify the duration of the leave and direct the officer to report back to the Navy Department upon its expiration.

The document reads, in part:

"Leave of Absence is granted to you for three months from this date; at the expiration of which time, you will report to this Department."

Signed "Levi Woodbury" in ink at the conclusion.

An interesting example of early American naval administration, issued during the presidency of Andrew Jackson and personally authorized by a future Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Woodbury served as Secretary of the Navy from 1831 to 1834, overseeing naval operations and administration during a period of expansion and modernization. He subsequently became Secretary of the Treasury before receiving his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1845.

Accompanied by a vintage engraved portrait of Woodbury bearing a printed facsimile signature beneath his likeness.

The document measures approximately 7.75 x 9.75 inches, with the accompanying engraved portrait measuring approximately 6.5 x 8.75 inches. Very good condition with original mailing folds, light age toning, scattered spotting, and minor handling wear.

Levi Woodbury (1789–1851) was an American statesman and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1845 until his death in 1851. Appointed by President James K. Polk, Woodbury previously served as Governor of New Hampshire, United States Senator, Secretary of the Navy under Andrew Jackson, and Secretary of the Treasury under Jackson and Martin Van Buren. He remains one of the few Americans to have served in all three branches of the federal government as well as as a state governor.

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

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Reference sku: 11700 1419378-1