Early American Wine Importation Certificate Signed by Benjamin Lincoln, Continental Army General and Friend of George Washington

Marblehead: Port of Marblehead, 1804. Single loose leaf. Very Good+. Import certificate, manuscript and printed, dated Oct. 20, 1804, signed by Benjamin Lincoln, as "B. Lincoln" in the blank titled "Collector." Measures 9.75" x 5". Blindstamped seal within printed decorated border. In addition, the document is countersigned by Joshua Prentiss as "J. Prentiss" the blank titled "Inspector." Slight age-toning to edges, else Fine. The certificate identifies a cask containing 52 gallons of wine was imported by [Captain] "Wm. J. Nath. Hooper" in the American vessel Joanna. Inspector Joshua Prentiss (1744-1837) served in the Revolutionary Army in Captain John Merritt's company, which was part of Col. John Glover's regiment. The history of Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) in the War of Independence is well documented. After Yorktown "he assumed the office of Secretary of War under the new national government and held that position with distinction until October 1783" (DNB). In 1789, after serving as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, his friend George Washington appointed him Collector of the Port of Boston. During that tenure he produced the document at hand. Now enclosed in a removable, clear archival sleeve with an acid-free backing.