Books and Manuscripts

(Washington, D.C.), December 24, 1806. Partially-printed four-language ship's passport, signed by Thomas Jefferson as President of the United States, for John Travers, master of the Schooner The Ocean; counter-signed by James Madison as Secretary of State, and David Gelston as Collector of the Port of New York; 16 1/2 x 20 1/4 in. (419 x 514 mm); original paper seals intact. Creasing from contemporary folds, small separations at intersecting center folds, as well as at fold edges; minor spotting in bottom right corner. In mat and in frame, 24 5/8 x 27 5/8 in. (625 x 711 mm). Together with framed portraits of Jefferson and Madison.

The Schooner The Ocean was a 152-ton ship, then lying in port at New York City, and bound for Trinidad carrying flour, fish-meal, bread, beans, tomatoes, oats, beef, pork, and lumber.