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JEFFERSON, THOMAS. Partly-printed vellum Document Signed, “Th:Jefferson,”
military commission appointing William Henry Allen Lieutenant in the Navy.
Countersigned by Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith. 17x14 inches; slight fading to sig-
nature, horizontal fold through signature (without loss), short closed tear at upper left,
staining along upper edge, deep folds, docketing lower left recto, paper seal intact; framed.
Washington, 17 February 1807
[6,000/9,000]
William Henry Allen (1784-1813) served as captain of the USS
Argus
, which wreaked havoc on
British shipping off Ireland in July and August of 1813.Allen was killed in battle against the HMS
Pelican
on August 14, 1813.