Books and Manuscripts

Jefferson, Thomas, and James Madison
Signed Ship's Passport
(Washington, D.C.), July 30, 1805. Partially-printed four-language ship's passport, signed by Thomas Jefferson as President of the United States, and by James Madison as Secretary of State; counter-signed by Collector of the Port of New York, David Gelston. Issued to William Van Allen, Jr., Captain of the Brig Weltha Ann; original paper seals intact at left and at bottom; docketed on verso. Creasing from contemporary folds; lightly worn along edges; two short closed tears in top edge. In mat, 27 in. x 31. 5 in. (686 x 800 mm).

A handsome four-language ship's passport signed by President Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison, issued to Captain William Van Allen, Jr., for the 164-ton Brig Weltha Ann, destined for the West Indies, carrying flour, beef, dry goods, and fish.