Lot 108
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) 3rd President of the United States (1801-09); author of the Declaration of Independence. Beautiful, clean Ship's Passport (or Mediterranean Passport) Signed "Th: Jefferson" as President and countersigned by James Madison as Secretary of State, one page, 15¼" x 10¼", vellum, n.p., n.d. Very fine; scalloped top with two nautical engravings by E. Savage at top; white wafer seal is intact at lower left. Attractively matted and framed to 21" x 16" and ready for display. Jefferson's signature is bold; Madison's is nice and solid, with one vertical fold between the "a" and "d" in "Madison."
In the early years of its independence, the United States paid tribute to the Barbary states in exchange for being able to sail and conduct business in the Mediterranean area without interference. The Mediterranean Passport was a document issued only to vessels that were completely owned by citizens of the United States and was recognized by Algeria and other Barbary states after treaties were concluded with these states. The master of an American vessel paid a fee of ten dollars to the custom's collector for his ship's Passport (the penalty for sailing without one was $200). The various customs districts received these documents pre-signed by the President and Secretary of State. The collector would insert into the appropriate blanks the vessel's name and tonnage, the master's name, number of crew members, and the number of guns mounted on the vessel, then sign the document. Unused Passports were supposed to be returned to the Treasury Department, after being canceled by cutting holes through the seals, but someone obviously saw the value of holding on to this lovely, historic document. (See Douglas L. Stein"s American Maritime Documents 1776-1860 for more information).
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $7,188 |
