An Act to authorize the President of the United States during the recess of the present Congress, to cause to be purchased or built a number of vessels to be equipped as Gallies, or otherwise in the service of the United States

[Philadelphia: Printed by Childs and Swaine], 1794. Very Good. Broadside. Folio (8" x 13 ¼"). Untrimmed, as issued. Three slight horizontal folds, modest foxing, edges lightly toned, very good. The rare variant printing, Signed in ink by U.S. Secretary of State Edmund Randolph, a Founding Father of the United States (and 7th Governor of Virginia). An early act of the Third Congress, setting forth provisions for building up the U.S. Navy, up to 10+ vessels, "to be fitted out, manned, armed and equipped as gallies" ... "for the protection of the United States." The act was issued in response to Barbary pirates disrupting American trade with Europe. It is followed by a shorter act "to make provision for the Widow and Orphan Children of Robert Forsyth." Both acts are signed and dated in letterpress by George Washington (June 5th and June 7th, 1794). An important variant copy signed by Edmund Randolph, who served as both attorney general and secretary of state in George Washington's cabinet. Though not stated, the broadside was printed in Philadelphia by Francis Childs and John Swaine, printers to the Congress in 1794. *Evans* 27865; *ESTC* W28073. (Inventory #: 544490)