Details:

Joseph Nourse autographed letter (LS), dated July 9, 1801, from the Treasury Department, Register's Office. Addressed to Samuel Smedley, Collector at Fairfield, Connecticut, the letter acknowledges receipt of quarterly returns from Smedley's district, including marine and transport registers, enrollment documents, licenses issued, and records of changes of masters. Nourse signs "Joseph Nourse" at the conclusion in his capacity as Register of the Treasury. The integral address leaf bears postal markings, manuscript docketing, and a second autograph of Nourse, giving the document two examples of his signature.

Near fine condition with expected age toning, original mailing folds, small tear on left edge, and handling wear. The integral address leaf retains remnants and evidence of the original wax seal, with associated paper wear.

Joseph Nourse (1754-1841) was a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the longest-serving financial officials of the early United States. During the American Revolution, he served the Continental government in important administrative positions, including as Deputy Secretary to the Board of War and later as Assistant Auditor General. In 1781, the Continental Congress appointed him Register of the Treasury, placing him at the center of the young nation's financial administration during the closing years of the Revolution. Following the establishment of the federal government under the Constitution, President George Washington appointed Nourse the first Register of the United States Treasury in 1789. He continued in that office under six presidential administrations, serving until 1829 and working closely with the Treasury Department from the era of Alexander Hamilton through the early decades of the republic. His remarkable tenure of nearly half a century in national financial administration connected the government of the Continental Congress directly with the emerging federal Treasury system.

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

Premium:
A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11695 1419180-1