Jefferson And Madison Sign A Commission Appointing The U.S. Attorney Of New York

THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826). Thomas Jefferson was the Third President.DS. 1pg. 15 x 13. July 19, 1803. Washington, D.C. A document signed Th Jefferson as President and Jamed Madison as Secretary of State. The manuscript appointed Nathan Sanford to U.S. Attorney of New York. To all who shall see these presents Greeting: Whereas the office of Attorney of the United States in and for the District of New-York is at present vacant Now Know Ye That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Ability and Learning of Nathan Sanford of New-York I do appoint him Attorney of the United States in and for the said District of New-York; and do authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office according to Law; and to Have and to Hold the same together with all the powers, privileges and Emoluments thereunto of right appertaining unto him the said Nathan Sanford during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being, and until the end of the next Session of the Senate of the United States and no longer. In Testimony whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made patent and the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my Hand, at the City of Washington the Nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twenty Eighth. By the President Th. Jefferson James Madison Secretary of State. This is a recess appointment, meaning Sanford was authorized to hold the office until the end of the next Senate session, at which point he would need formal confirmation. This explicitly grants Sanford the legal authority to execute all duties associated with the office of United States Attorney and receive all powers, privileges, and emoluments that come with the position. Nathan Sanford was a lawyer and politician, with this role being the start of his political career. Twenty-five years old at the time of this appointment, he held the office from 1803 to 1815. After this position, he was a senator, served as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, and Chancellor of New York. This document is professionally framed and in fine condition with a large Jefferson autograph and an intact seal.