Books and Manuscripts

(Washington D.C.), January 12, 1799. 5 1/2 x 9 in. (140 x 229 mm). Portion of a partially-printed four-language ship's passport, signed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts, John Adams (1735-1826), as President of the United States, for William Ellery (Jr.), Deputy Collector of Customs at the Port of Newport, Rhode Island; counter-signed by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. Creasing from old folds, separations along same; lightly foxed. In mat and in frame with a portrait of Adams, unexamined out of frame, 21 1/2 x 26 1/2 in. (546 x 673 mm).

William Ellery, Jr. (1761-1836) was one of 19 children born to his father of the same name, a Rhode Island Continental Congressman, and Signer of the Declaration of Independence. The younger William served as a deputy to his father, who was the Collector of the Port of Newport.