Official US Document Signed by George Washington as President Decemeber 14, 1790 PSA Graded Gem Mint 10! Also signed and completely handwritten by William Ellery of Rhode Island. Member of the Continental Congress and Declaration Signer–second largest autograph after John Hancock! As the Redcoats retreated from Newport, RI during the Revolutionary War they strategically burnt down and stole the optics from Beavertail leaving the treacherous Narragansett Bay dark for the rest of the War (and many years after). The importance of lighthouses at this time in history cannot be overstated, they were integral to economic success. Without a guiding light, trade ships could not travel at night or in fog. Unfortunately, shipwrecks were especially common in the notoriously shallow, rocky and foggy waters of Narragansett Bay. As a result, Beavertail Lighthouse was officially constructed in 1749 though a “tended light” had been established at the turn of the 18th century, making it the first ever navigational light in the US. In 1790, Newport was one of the biggest US cities and a major trade hub between the US and Europe. It’s most notable industry was manufacturing rum from molasses harvested in the South. Newport was the fourth richest city at this time- behind only New York, Boston and Philadelphia. George Washington (1789-97) and Alexander Hamilton knew Newport’s key economic role and one of the first orders as President was to restore Beavertail lighthouse to enable safe travel of valuable vessels and cargo. Washington provided immediate federal funding to jump-start trade. Although, federal funding and centralized control was definitely not a popular notion at this time, the forefathers knew that economic success was paramount to the survival of our young Nation. Rhode Island, hesitant to lose a valuable asset to a central power, made a provision stipulating that if the lighthouse is not well kept by the Federal Government than it will default back to State ownership. Today it’s still federally owned and maintained by the US Coast Guard. Here’s a rare chance to own a historically important United States document with one of the earliest George Washington signatures as President of the United States. Not to mention, the finest Washington autograph in existence! In fact, PSA graded the jet black autograph Gem Mint 10! And an unknown signature of D. Lyman likely a secretary or witness. All four executed this contract on Oct. 15, 1790 and “interchangeably set our hands”. Comes with a PSA Letter of Authenticity and Graded GEM MINT 10!! Investment grade and Pure Brigandi Quality! Document reads in full. Whereas in pursuance of an Act of a Congress of the United States for defraying the Expences of the Light Houses in the several States, and of instructions received from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States William Martin is continued Keeper of the Light House on the Island of Conannicut in the Town of James Town in the State of Rhode Island &c until the pleasure of the President of the United States shall be known. I William Ellery Collector of the Port of Newport in the State aforesaid Do by these Presents agree with the said William Martin that he shall receive for his Services in keeping said Light House at the rate of One Hundred and forty Dollars by the year. In Witness whereof we have hereunto interchangeably set our hands this Fifteenth day of October in the year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety. Visit Our New York City Store! BRIGANDI COINS & COLLECTIBLES. New York, NY 10022. Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am. The item “1790 George Washington Signed Official US Document as President. PSA Gem Mint 10″ is in sale since Tuesday, January 29, 2019. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Autographs\Political\Presidential”. The seller is “brigandicoinsandcollectibles” and is located in New York, New York. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Autograph Authentication: Professional Sports (PSA/DNA)
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• President: George Washington
• Signed by: George Washington