Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42119

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42119

Henry Clay Manuscript Document Signed ("H. Clay"). One page, 9 x 13 3/4 inches; [Washington]; December 16, 1812. Mounted in a display mat to an overall size of 24 1/4 x 20 1/4 inches.

A manuscript resolution passed by the House of Representatives, requesting an accounting of its earlier recognition of Commodore Edward Preble and his officers for their service during the First Barbary War. Boldly signed by Henry Clay as Speaker of the House, "H. Clay," and additionally signed by Patrick Magruder as Clerk, in his capacity as Librarian of Congress. The resolution reads, in part:

"Resolved, that the President of the United States be requested to cause to be laid before the House, a statement of the proceedings which have been had under the resolution of Congress of the 3d of March, 1805, whereby the President of the United States was requested to cause a gold medal to be presented to Commodore Edward Preble, and a sword to each of the commissioned officers and Midshipmen, who distinguished themselves in the attacks on the town, batteries and naval force of Tripoli...accompanying the same with an account of the expenditure of the appropriation of twenty thousand dollars..."

Preble had distinguished himself in the campaign against Tripoli during the First Barbary War (1801-1805). As commander of the American squadron in the Mediterranean, he directed a series of naval operations against Tripolitan forces, including the daring destruction of the captured frigate USS Philadelphia by Lieutenant Stephen Decatur on February 16, 1804. This action prevented the vessel from being used by the enemy and reinforced the effectiveness of the American blockade. Although Preble died in 1807, he is credited with forming the officer corps that would go on to command the United States Navy during the War of 1812.

Condition: Please see high resolution images of this lot online. Mounted to the mat with adhesive. Lightly toned with expected folds. Edgewear, including several chips and short tears; one long tear from the top edge through the first half of the page. Still very legible with a bold signature.

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