Title:
John Davis Long Cut Signature on Navy Department Letterhead – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto #85882685

Description:
This exceptional historical collectible features an authentic cut signature of John Davis Long (1838–1915), professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA. The neatly trimmed autograph is executed in bold black ink on official Navy Department, Washington letterhead and is dated January 2, 1902.

The inscription is especially desirable, as Long personally wrote:

"Autograph."
"Very truly yours,"
"John D. Long"
"Secretary."
"Jan. 2, 1902."

Rather than being a simple signature, this example includes his handwritten title, "Secretary," confirming his official capacity as Secretary of the Navy, and is written on official departmental stationery, greatly enhancing its historical significance. The reverse displays remnants of historic album mounting and adhesive residue, consistent with long-term preservation in nineteenth- or early twentieth-century autograph albums.

The PSA/DNA label identifies the item as "CUT – JOHN DAVIS LONG – AUTHENTIC AUTO" and bears certification number 85882685.

Historical Context:
John Davis Long served as the 32nd United States Secretary of the Navy from 1897 to 1902 under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. His tenure coincided with one of the most transformative periods in American naval history, including the Spanish-American War of 1898, during which the United States emerged as a major global naval power following decisive victories at the Battles of Manila Bay and Santiago de Cuba.

Prior to his cabinet service, Long enjoyed a distinguished political career as Governor of Massachusetts and as a member of the United States House of Representatives. As Secretary of the Navy, he oversaw the continued modernization and expansion of the U.S. Navy during the era of Alfred Thayer Mahan's influential naval doctrine. Although Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt often advocated a more aggressive naval policy, Long remained the department's principal administrator during this pivotal period.

Dated only weeks before his resignation as Secretary of the Navy in April 1902, this autograph represents one of the final examples from his cabinet tenure.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as an Authentic Auto.

Certification Number: 85882685. The autograph is securely housed in PSA's tamper-evident holder, preserving the official Navy Department letterhead, handwritten inscription, signature, title, and date while ensuring long-term protection and confidence in its authenticity.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This is a superb example of an official cabinet-level autograph, combining John D. Long's bold signature with official Navy Department letterhead, his handwritten designation as "Secretary," and a precise date from the closing months of his distinguished tenure. Professionally authenticated by PSA/DNA, it represents an outstanding addition to collections devoted to U.S. naval history, Spanish-American War memorabilia, presidential administrations, and American political autographs.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.