This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2026
George Washington document signed as President, nominating and appointing Simeon De Witt as the first Surveyor General of the United States. With prominent signature by Washington, ''Go: Washington'', countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State and dated 30 May 1796.
Having served as Washington's mapper during the Revolutionary War, the President would later recommend him to Thomas Jefferson as ''extremely modest, sensible, sober, discreet'' and a ''very good mathematician''. Despite being Washington's first pick for Surveyor General however, De Witt turned down the position, electing to stay in New York as the state's Surveyor General instead. Why he refused it is unknown, though it's speculated that the lack of commitment to a national survey was part of the reason. De Witt had previously attempted to persuade the Continental Congress of such a project to no avail. Washington would take some time to find his second pick, nominating Rufus Putnam to the position in 1797.
Vellum document displays beautifully with intact paper seal and strong signature. Visible portion measuring 13.5'' x 10'', triple matted and framed to a size of 20.375'' x 17''. Not examined out of frame, but appears near fine.