25072

President Andrew Jackson Signed Ship's Passport 1

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
President Andrew Jackson Signed Ship's Passport 1
<B>President Andrew Jackson Signed Ship's Passport 1834</B></I> Partly-printed document signed, "Andrew Jackson" as President, 10.5" x 14.5", Washington, April 16, 1834. A scallop top, Mediterranean Ship's Passport, issued to Seth Curtis master of the Bark <I>Harriet</B></I> of New York "...the burthen of 275 tons or thereabouts, mounted with No guns navigated with Ten men..." With two beautiful vignettes of a sailing ship and a lighthouse at top, and the top edge scalloped, as required for a Mediterranean ship's passport. The Mediterranean Passport, commonly called a "ship's passport", was created after the United States concluded a treaty with Algiers in 1795. During the early years of independence, America was one of several nations paying tribute to the Barbary states in exchange for the ability to sail and conduct business in the Mediterranean area without interference. This treaty provided American-owned vessels with a "passport" that would be recognized by Algeria and later by other Barbary states through similar treaties. These passports were intended to serve as additional evidence of official nationality. After they were printed and signed by the President and Secretary of State, they were cut along the waved line and the top portion sent to the U.S. Consuls along the Barbary coast, where they were used to authenticate the passports. Light soiling, cut still a very bright document with very sharp engravings. Framed with a portrait of President Andrew Jackson. <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>