ADAMS, John (1735-1826). Document signed ("John Adams") as President, Baltimore, 4 September 1798.

One page, 394 x 495mm, printed in four columns, boldly headed "John Adams President of the United States," accomplished in manuscript with intact papered seal, hinged to a mat and framed (holes at fold intersections, one slightly grazing Adams' signature). Countersigned by Timothy PICKERING (1745-1829) as Secretary of State. Additionally signed by Robert PURVIANCE (1733-1806) as collector of the Port of Baltimore and James H. CALHOUN (1743-1816) signing as "Mayor of the City of Baltimore."

Adams signs a four-language ship's paper issued to the 331-ton ship Perseverance, commanded by Thomas W. Norman of Baltimore, bound "for London" and carrying "Coffee, Tobacco and Lumber." Provenance: Presented by Dr. Frederick E. Partington, Washington to India House (inscription on frame plaque).

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India House is bound by every tradition with the adventurers of all ages who went down to the sea in ships.

Christie’s is honored to sell the art collection of India House, a private club that has been a fixture of downtown Manhattan since the early twentieth century. The Club’s Renaissance style building was constructed by builder Richard Carman after the fire of 1835 and, previously housing Hanover Bank, Maitland and Company, the New York Cotton Exchange and W.R. Grace and Company, the edifice has remained essentially unchanged since its construction. Founded in 1914 by James A. Farrell and Willard Straight, India House was conceived as a meeting place for the interests for foreign trade and its name paid homage to the Dutch West India Company, the first colonizers of Manhattan. Farrell and Straight envisioned that “New York should have a place, maritime in spirit, purpose and atmosphere, where those interested in rebuilding a merchant marine worthy of American could meet.” In this vein, many leaders in foreign trade and worldwide commerce have since gathered at India House, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Hopkins, Henry Morgenthau, Jr., James Byrnes, W. Averell Harriman, George C. Marshall, Henry Cabot Lodge and Cyrus Vance. Their meetings were held alongside India House’s world-class collection of maritime art and objects. First begun by Dorothy Whitney and Willard Straight, the art collection grew to encompass marine pictures, model ships, maritime relics and Chinese works of art, which gave the club its stately atmosphere and reminded members and guests of its purpose.

For more information, see A Descriptive Catalogue of the Marine Collection to be Found at India House (New York, 1935).