Description:

(EARLY REVENUE CUTTERS) DAVID GELSTON
(1744-1828) Influential New York politician who took a leading role in reconciling Tories and Whigs following the American Revolution. Appointed by Thomas Jefferson as Collector of the Port of New York in 1802 holding the post until 1821. Unusual Manuscript D.S. "David Gelston" and "W[illiam] E. Sheffield" 3pp. folio, New York, Feb. 23, 1802, a contract between Gelston as Collector of the Port of New York, and Sheffield a New York shipbuilder to construct "...a sloop or vessel for a Revenue Cutter, of the following dimensions, vizt. to be forty six feet Keel, eighteen feet Beam, and six feet depth in the hold, single decked, and on the plan that has been exhibited between the parties to these presents, and to be built and carried on under the direction of Caleb Brewster who is to superintend the execution of this agreement...". This is the first time we have encountered such a contract, and it provides interesting insight into the development of the what would become the United States Coast Guard. Light toning along folds, some minor marginal wear, else fine.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

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