John Hay Signed Cut as Secretary of State – PSA/DNA Certified

This historically significant cut signature of John Hay (1838–1905) comes from an official document bearing the elegant printed inscription “By the President” and “Secretary of State”, with Hay’s signature boldly placed in brown ink. As a key figure in American politics and diplomacy, Hay’s career spanned over four decades, from serving as Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary during the Civil War to becoming Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.

John Hay’s Time with Abraham Lincoln

John Hay began his career in public service at the young age of 22, when he was appointed private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Alongside John Nicolay, he became one of Lincoln’s closest aides, witnessing firsthand the inner workings of the Lincoln administration during the most tumultuous period in American history—the Civil War.

Hay played a critical role in drafting official correspondence, managing presidential communications, and even acting as an unofficial envoy for Lincoln. His position gave him intimate access to the president, and he was present at Lincoln’s deathbed at the Petersen House after his assassination in 1865. Hay and Nicolay later co-authored the 10-volume Abraham Lincoln: A History (1890), one of the most comprehensive and detailed accounts of Lincoln’s presidency, helping shape the enduring image of Lincoln as the Great Emancipator.

Hay’s Role as Secretary of State

Decades after his time with Lincoln, Hay became one of the most influential Secretaries of State in U.S. history, serving from 1898 to 1905 under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. He was instrumental in shaping American foreign policy, most notably through:

• The Open Door Policy (1899-1900) – Advocating for equal trade opportunities in China while maintaining Chinese territorial integrity.
• The Panama Canal Treaty (1903) – Negotiating the treaty that led to the construction of the Panama Canal, revolutionizing global trade.
• The Treaty of Paris (1898) – Helping negotiate the end of the Spanish-American War, which resulted in U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Authentication & Encapsulation

This John Hay signature has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, ensuring its authenticity and long-term preservation (Cert #85419190).

Collector’s Appeal

This is a remarkable piece of history, signed by a man who was not only at Abraham Lincoln’s side during the Civil War but also shaped American diplomacy at the turn of the 20th century. With its strong eye appeal, connection to the presidency, and role in U.S. foreign policy, this document is an essential acquisition for collectors of Lincolniana, Civil War memorabilia, and American political history.