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Andrew Jackson DS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD
Andrew Jackson DS
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Historically important document signed by Andrew Jackson directly related to his taking of Spanish Florida for the United States. Dated 7 May 1818 and signed by Jackson as Major General Commanding Department of the South, document orders pay to the pilot John Baptiste, for guiding U.S. navy ships into Florida waters, enabling Jackson to remove Spanish influence there, and also for piloting the schooner that carried captured British agent Alexander Arbuthnot out of Florida. Jackson’s hanging of Arbuthnot would lead to an international outcry and a Congressional investigation, though the same aggressive approach in taking control of Florida from the Spanish and the British would ultimately secure it for the United States. Countersigned by John Baptiste with his mark, and witnessed by Surgeon Moses H. Elliott. Document reads, ''The United States to John Baptiste for his service, as pilot on board the United States armed Schooner Thomas Shields under the command of Capt. McKeever from the 30th March to 14th April inclusive-16 days. For the same on board the Schooner Milo, Capt. Snow, from the 15 to 22nd April inclusive being- 8 days. For the same in piloting the Schooner Chance from the Bay of Apalache to St. Marks- 2 days. Total 26 days. One dollar per day-- $26. The Q.M. Genl. will pay the above account.'' With additional notations by the quartermaster at Fort Gadsden where Baptiste took the document to be paid: “Fort Gadsden, May 7, 1818. Received of Maj. Milo Mason, Dept. Q.M.Genl., twenty six dollars in full of the above account.'' Single-page measures 8'' x 9.75''. Areas on left and right edge professionally mended where chipped and worn, and the sunned horizontal folds reinforced. Very good condition.