Title: President Rutherford B. Hayes Signed Document – U.S. Seal Authorization for Letter to the King of Denmark, 1878

Description:
Offered here is a partly-printed document signed (DS) by President Rutherford B. Hayes, dated September 26, 1878, measuring approximately 7.75" x 10". In this formal executive directive, Hayes instructs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope containing his personal letter of congratulations to the King of Denmark on the birth of a royal granddaughter—Princess Ingeborg of Denmark.

The letter reads in full:

"I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope containing my letter congratulating the King of Denmark on the birth of the Princess, announced in His Majesty’s letter of August 13, 1878—dated this day, and signed by me: and for so doing this shall be his warrant."

It is neatly signed at the conclusion by Rutherford B. Hayes, and penned in a bold, dark hand. The document remains in fine condition, with only a small stain at the lower right edge.

Historical Context:
This document ties directly to a moment of ceremonial diplomacy during the Hayes administration. The Princess referred to is Ingeborg of Denmark, born August 2, 1878, to Frederick VIII, then Crown Prince of Denmark, and Louise of Sweden. She was the granddaughter of King Christian IX of Denmark, one of Europe’s most prominent 19th-century monarchs whose children married into multiple royal families across the continent.

Princess Ingeborg would later become a key figure in Scandinavian royalty, marrying Prince Carl of Sweden in 1897 and spending the rest of her life in Sweden as Duchess of Västergötland. This document represents the diplomatic formalities and ceremonial goodwill extended between republics and monarchies in the late 19th century—underscoring the peaceful and respectful correspondence between the United States and European royalty.

Closing Appeal:
This is a compelling and historically significant presidential document, signed by Rutherford B. Hayes during his term in office and tied directly to a royal birth in the Danish monarchy. With strong content, formal language, and a direct connection to both American executive authority and European dynastic history, this piece makes a distinguished addition to any collection of presidential autographs, diplomatic documents, or royal correspondence.