"The Independent Chronicle and Universal Advertiser" Passage of Naval Armament Act

4pp of a bifolium, measuring 12" x 19.75", Boston, dated September 8, 1796. An issue of the "The Independent Chronicle and Universal Advertiser", Volume XXVIII, No. 1615, covering the passage of a supplementary Act "to provide a naval armament" in the First Session of the Fourth Congress. Signed in the text by President George Washington, Vice President John Adams, and Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. Published by Adams & Larkin. With light toning and foxing throughout. Very fine.

Reading in part:

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be authorized to continue the construction and equipment, (with all convenient expedition) of two frigates of forty four and one frigate of thirty six guns, any thing in the act, entitled 'An act to provide a naval armament,' to the contrary notwithstanding…"

The Naval Act of 1794 was passed by the 3rd U.S. Congress on March 27, 1794, and signed into law by President George Washington. The act authorized the construction of six frigates, which would be the first of what eventually became the present-day United States Navy. Piracy had not been a problem when the colonies were under the protection of the British Navy, but this changed after the American Revolution. Later, Congress passed an act on April 20, 1796, allowing construction and funding to continue for three more ships: United States, Constellation, and Constitution.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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