23 pages on 12 leaves, 343 x 255mm. Text in English and Spanish. Ruled in red throughout. Written in a secretarial hand in dark brown ink. (Upper lefthand corner of sheets torn away with some minor loss to some text, with previously bound edge a little rough from stitching, etc. [apparently removed from a bound volume], some soiling); slipcased. 

 

In 1841 the United States made claims against Peru as they seized American ships in neutral waters, especially whalers. By 1850 relations with Peru improved and were considered a friendly port resulting in the Treaty of 1851. This document summarizes the results of a convention held to clarify the interpretation of Article 12 of the original Treaty of 1851 between the United States and the Republic of Peru concerning duty free commerce for the whaling ships of the United States in the ports of entry of Peru. It includes four articles of clarification with regard to barter or sale restrictions and exemptions for whaling ships at various levels. 

 

The concluding article states: “The stipulations in this Convention shall have the same force and effect as of inserted, word for word, in the Treaty concluded in Lima on the 26th of July 1851, and of which they shall be deemed and considered as explanatory. For which purpose, the present Convention shall be approved and ratified by the President of the United States of America, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof… done at Lima the fourth day of July [1857].” With scribal signatures and seals of  J. Randolph Clay and Manuel Ortiz de Zevallos. The final two pages (in English) confirming the ratification by the Senate on 30 April 1858, and concluding with President’s order of the seal to be and affixed [not affixed on this copy] followed by his signature. 

 

An interesting document offering a detailed perspective on international affairs as it relates to whaling and restrictive commerce in the mid-1800s.