George Washington Trades Flour, From Mt. Vernon, in Exchange For Fine Wine From Madeira!
In the early days of the American republic, ships leaving U.S. ports for foreign shores, such as the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira, were required to have passports with both the President and Secretary of State signing off on their voyages. For only a brief period, between January 2, 1794 and August 20, 1795, passports signed by Washington as President were also co-signed by Edmund Randolph as Secretary of State. This incredibly scarce partly printed 12.75” x 15.25” Document dates back to that time frame (this document dates specifically to December 10, 1794), and has been signed by Washington as President to the right of the Seal of the United States adding “G:º Washington” in black ink, along with Secretary of State “Edm. Randolph”. The docu- ment also has been countersigned by “John Fitzgerald” serving as the collector at the Port of Alexandria which nearly 140 tons of goods were being held of Washington’s. The Seal of the Corporation of Alexandria can be seen in red wax at the lower left of the document, attested by “Robert Mease Mayor”.
It has been well documented that George Washington was an advocate of both fine wine and whiskey . Research shows that Washington frequently sent flour directly from Mount Vernon to Madeira for wine and other products of the island. A rare and unique signed document as President by Washington, worthy of a centerpiece to any collection, that shows not only the formal side of Washington as Commander-In-Chief, but also the lighter side of a man who loves his spirits! Document exhibits moderate uniform toning, some minor paper loss along the Dutch language statements and some repairs on the verso, remaining in overall very good condition after 200+ years! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.
UPDATE: Through further research, wine from Madeira was a favorite of the early colonist, including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The wine is also credited in the first ever toast to a new country, named The United States of America, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence!