Jefferson Davis

Civil War–dated partly-printed DS, one page, 16 x 10, May 27, 1861. As president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis authorizes "Steamship or vessel called the Phenix…whereof Eugene Dellaney is Commander to act as a private armed vessel in the service of the Confederate States on the high seas, against the United States of America, their Ships, Vessels, Goods and Effects, and those of their citizens, during the pendency of the War now existing between the said Confederate States and the said United States." Neatly signed at the conclusion in ink by President Jefferson Davis and countersigned by Secretary of State Robert Toombs. Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 24 x 19. In very good condition, with damstaining to the mat, and creasing and heavy toning and staining to the document.

According to the work The Confederate Privateers by William M. Robinson, Jr., the Phenix, with a crew of over 200 men and armed with six rifled cannon and one pivot gun, was the largest privateer commissioned by the Confederacy.